ATHABASCA — The Athabasca Healthcare Centre Ladies Auxiliary has bestowed another grant to a student who hopes to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
In January, Dayle Gill, 21, who was born and raised in Athabasca, but now lives in Thorhild, sent a letter to the ladies auxiliary, expressing her love for working at the Athabasca hospital where she has been a healthcare aide since 2018, and that she is currently enrolled in classes, studying online at home, and driving to Red Deer College once a week for in-person learning.
“The people I work with in Athabasca along with my family gave me the confidence to go back to school and I am so grateful,” she said in her letter. “I didn’t know that I wanted to be a nurse until I started working in the healthcare field.”
Auxiliary president Doris Shalapay met Gill outside the Athabasca Healthcare Centre Feb. 5 to hand her the cheque for $2,000, the second in less than three months, with the same amount granted to Danikah Edwards in December.
Gill said growing up she had dreamed of being a teacher or veterinarian or maybe a stay-at-home mom but realized nursing is a combination of those professions which all require care of others and a lot of compassion.
“My plan after school has always been to stay close to home. I love our small-town charm and the beautiful views,” she said.
When Gill first started working, she did not want her last name known as her family has a long history in the area, plus her sister is also a healthcare aide so, she wanted to create her own identity, but some of the seniors she works with have long memories and regaled her with stories.
“When I started working with the seniors I tried not to associate with my last name because I wanted to be known as my individual self, but it is inevitable to be asked, 'Which Gill do you belong to?' and adds to the charm,” she said. “I’ve learned to accept and appreciate my family’s role in this town. I enjoy listening to the town's seniors talk about the good ol’ days, most of whom can tell me about my grandparents, parents and extended relatives.”
With a second grant Gill received she is able to pay most of her tuition for her second year and is grateful for the help from the auxiliary.
“I was pretty excited actually,” she said. “I have also received a second grant from my dad's company (Manitoulin Transport, where he works). So, my entire second year is paid off now.”
