OCNews

Debra Idzan 

Former Library Clerk (retired), Okanagan College 
OC Program of Study: Health Care Assistant, 1988; Associate of Arts Degree, 1997 

Once her children were all in school, Debra attended Okanagan College as a mature student to build her skillset and prepare herself for future employment. Starting with the Health Care Assistant certificate program, she later returned to take the Associate of Arts degree program part-time while raising her family and working. After completing her program over the course of several years, three courses per semester, Debra graduated with honours. Her career began as a library page in the Okanagan College Library, eventually working her way up to library clerk, while also working part-time in the campus general office and bookstore. Throughout her time with the college, Debra worked as an exam invigilator, tutor and continuing studies teacher. Debra took pride in helping students, staff and the public. After 25 years, she retired but worked on-call intermittently for three more years. In addition to her professional life, Debra volunteered with several organizations including the Catholic Women's League, Salmon Arm Refugee Society, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, and OC Student Services where she participated in a student outreach, college welcoming and fundraising events. She also engaged with the Shuswap Foundation to create a bursary award for OC students in trades and vocational programs in memory of her son, who was an OC Trades alumnus.  

Highest level of education 
Associate of Arts 

Describe your career experience and history 
When I was in my early thirties and my children were all in school, I decided to take courses at Okanagan College in Salmon Arm to attain some qualifications for future employment. I started with a HCA program, but Salmon Arm had not yet completed building the senior's residence and so I decided to return to the college and take the two year Associate of Arts program which I graduated with honours in 1997. It took several years as I could only manage two or three courses per semester while raising a family and working part-time. 

I worked as a library page for the first few years and then applied for part-time work as a library clerk at OC in Salmon Arm. I also managed to acquire employment as a part-timer in the campus general office, bookstore clerk, exam invigilator, tutor and teaching a continuing studies course in Dried Flower Art Designs. I loved being at the college-the instructors were approachable, the staff was supportive and fellow students were available for help with my studies. Most of all, I loved being in the library and working with students. The permanent part-time position in the library allowed me to concentrate on my studies. I had access to books, research sources and the opportunity to share knowledge with other students, especially those who needed extra or individually tailored tutoring, and best of all, OC paid me to do what I loved, which allowed me to continue towards my Associate degree.  After graduating, I focused on providing assistance to students and staff by guiding them in accessing materials, researching for course assignments, studying for exams, and being a mentor to students. As a OC library staff member I took pride in offering assistance to students, staff and the public whenever I was on campus. After 25 years, I retired but continued to answer the call to return to work on-call intermittently for three more years. 

Describe your volunteerism and/or impact in your community 
Over the years, I have engaged in providing communication and research services to several organizations including the Catholic Women's League and the Salmon Arm Refugee Society and  I have volunteered with Salmon Arm Roots & Blues. I worked with and OC student services participating in high school outreach programs and college welcoming  and fund-raising events for students and staff. I engaged with the Shuswap Foundation to create a bursary award for OC students in trades and vocational programs in memory of my own son, who was an OC trades alumni. 

Achievement, honours or special recognitions you’ve received 
As an introvert I like to keep a low profile and, as such, try to avoid the limelight. I received the Associate of Arts with Distinction and served 25 years as a OC employee, raised three sons who all graduated with college and university diplomas or degrees, all of which I consider achievements. 

Describe your personal achievements  (family life, pastimes, etc.) 
I dreamed about working in a library since I was in elementary school and have always loved working with people in need. I married my husband Boris, a immigrant from Bosnia-Herzegovia in 1971 and had three sons between 1973 and 1977. Over the years, I traveled several times to Europe and was able to help sponsor family members and other refugees through my work with various local charitable groups.  I am an artist and have created landscapes, portraits and still life works in various mediums. I like to garden and harvest my own produce as well as grow flowers to beautify my back yard.