Grad Spotlight: Olivia Therrien

As we celebrate the graduating class of 2023, we're shining a spotlight on exceptional stories of success. Olivia Therrien is this year's recipient of the prestigious Mary John Award of Excellence. This award is presented to a student who is of Aboriginal ancestry, mentors and supports others, serves their local community, and has the ability to cross cultural and social boundaries to further reconciliation.
June 14, 2023 11:16 AM PST
Mackenzie Vanderhoof Prince George Quesnel Burns Lake

Who and/or what encouraged you to study nursing?

My mother is the main reason I chose to study nursing. She has always had compassion, kindness, knowledge, and humour. Watching her bring those attributes to lives of people around her was amazing. Being in a small community, I heard about the impact she's had on peoples lives - it’s pretty special to see. Coupled with my love of learning and nerding out about the human body, I feel grateful to be able to study this program here with her support, and the support of the rest of my family.

What do you enjoy about nursing or look forward to in a nursing career?

I've always been interested in the workings of the human body, so I look forward to getting experience in interesting and exciting cases. My goal is to work in emergency or rural health. I also look forward to being a contributing part of a community, building relationships with people, and being a support for them as they heal.


It sounds like you’ve had a major role in community groups, working with Elders, and supporting students. How is that important to you?

The things that I've done in the community have done more for me in return than I could ever imagine. I had the opportunity to volunteer in the greenhouse at the college and learned from Sharon Primeau, an Indigenous Wildcrafter, all of the benefits and uses for traditional medicines. That is also where I had the opportunity to build such a wonderful relationship with Lori Gagnon, the Indigenous Liaison for the school.

 

These women have been a huge part of my support and ability to bring this knowledge into my schooling. Without the support from people like them, from my family, and from the other organizations that I work with, I wouldn’t be able to bring these lessons forward. One day, I'll be able to give that support back. 


What does winning the Mary John Award of Excellence mean to you?

Reading about the impact of Mary John in her communities makes me extremely grateful and proud to have won this award. Her legacy in our province is one of strength, resilience, grace, and kindness. Mary John experienced adversity every step of the way, and I want to acknowledge that I have never had those experiences based on how I look, but in my future practice as a nurse I will bring her story with me and know that I can provide informed, quality, care to all people.

What advice or perspective might you offer someone who is seeing your success and wants to follow it?

Much of my opportunity has to do with the people I have in my life. I have an amazing and supportive family, I am lucky to have the support of the Metis association of BC, I have had wonderful teachers, supports in the school, and supports in the community. I think the best thing someone can do for themselves is to build relationships with people around them.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add that I may not have asked?

I would just like to give another thank you to Lori Gagnon for nominating me and supporting me. As well as Sonya Spiers, acting regional principal in Quesnel. These women, along with my teachers and classmates, have brought encouragement and so much laughter to my years at CNC and I am just so lucky.

 


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