OCNews

Q: What is your name?

A: Sierra Schultz

Q: What are your pronouns?

A: She / Her / Hers

Q: What program are you in at Okanagan College?

A: I’m in the Pharmacy Technician program.

Q: Which campus do you primarily study at?

A: Currently, I study at the Kelowna Campus full time. However, I did complete an Associate of Arts Degree at the Vernon campus in 2020 prior to moving to Kelowna.

Q: What drew you to that program? 

A: My Aunt Jodi, who I loved dearly and who passed away from lung cancer in 2019, worked in pharmacy. I did my “Take your kid to work day” with her in high school, but didn’t think twice about it. Then, my cousin who worked with her mom at the pharmacy brought me in for an interview and I started working in pharmacy and fell absolutely in love. I knew after my aunt passed that I needed to carry her light and her generosity with me, and felt that following in her footsteps was the best way to do just that.

Q: Why did you choose to study at OC?

A: Studying at OC fell into place perfectly. I wanted to study while living at home when I got my Associate of Arts Degree, so I commuted from Enderby to Vernon, and then I moved to Kelowna to study Pharmacy Technician. I always loved the smaller class size, it allows a community to form between the students and professors that you won’t find at more large, dense post-secondary institutions. I’ve also found OC to be very accommodating and welcoming. The atmosphere is fantastic.

Q: What are you looking forward to during your time at OC? 

A: I’m looking for connections and long-time education. The Pharmacy Technician program is providing just that. Not only am I learning so much more than I ever expected, I’m also creating friendships and connections with like-minded individuals that I know will carry over to my career going forward.

Q: Have you received a tuition award and how has it benefited you?

A: I have not received any tuition awards for this program however, I did receive the Okanagan College Tuition Bursary in the fall of 2018 as well as the Donna Lester Smith Award. These bursaries and awards helped me fund my education and lessen the financial burden. I was able to complete my degree without student loans and debt, which was a main goal for me in obtaining an education. 

Q: Where is home for you?

A: For me, home has never really been a place. Home has always been more about a feeling. My family, my boyfriend, the comfort, support and love of the people I surround myself with is what home is. However, I do have a special place in my heart for Enderby, as it’s where I spent my childhood. But Kelowna is much more my pace and I love this city.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I received was from my late Aunt Jodi. She always taught me to be open minded and grateful. To enter every conversation as a blank slate with a generous heart. To listen intently, to understand that every person is important and should be valued and respected as such.

It has helped me to be a better person, to be who I am today. To always be open to new information and always be there for others. Creating connections and being a safe place for others has always been important for me.

Q: Where are you the happiest?

A: I am the happiest when I’m on the water. I grew up on the river in Enderby, and I absolutely love being there. Paddle boarding, floating, swimming, anything like that.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share?

A: I’m grateful for this opportunity to share why I’m so grateful to be studying what I love at OC. I think it’s important that people know that education doesn’t have a time limit. It’s important to always strive for self-growth and betterment, and that education can be a great way to do that. It’s never too late to learn, but above all else, just have passion for what you love.