An internationally trained nurse from the Phillipines, Elsie arrived in Canada in 2007 with her husband and 4 children. Hoping to provide a better life for her children, Elsie planned to become a Registered Nurse no matter what obstacles in her path.

As a WEST client, she completed the "Communicating Effectively in English for Internationally Trained Health Care" program. Elsie volunteered as Meal Server for VON Meals on Wheels. She secured a general labour position to help support her family as she worked to prepare for her nursing exams. Her first employment experience in Canada was not very pleasant , but she had a goal and she knew that it was temporary.

There were times when she regretted leaving the Phillipines but she was determined to realize her goals of becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada. having worked in the accounting field for 6 years. When she arrived in Windsor, she needed to find a way to enhance her skills to enjoy successful integration into the Canadain workforce.

Her training, through WEST, helped her prepare for her TOEFL exam. Elsie is now Registered Nurse in Canada and is determined to assist other internationally trained nurses obtain certification. She encourages all to persevere and work to comply with the requirements for certification in Canada.