This article is provided courtesy of Georgian College.
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Making the decision to go back to school part-time wasn’t easy for Robyn Haggart, a personal support worker and mother of five. She knew she would face challenges — like time management and balancing her work with home and studies — but never did she imagine the turn her life was about to take.
While completing Georgian’s academic and career entrance certificate to upgrade so she could pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, Haggart was diagnosed with cancer in her ovaries, cervix and uterus. Over time, it metastasized into her chest area.
“My cancer diagnosis made the busy life I love caring for others even harder,” says Haggart. “I have small children at home and a full-time job, and the treatment makes me very tired and is painful. Trying to attend class has been difficult at times but I’ve had incredible support from my faculty. I will never forget their kindness.”
Despite many rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries over the last few years — and a year off to convalesce — Haggart persisted with her studies. She’s currently in her second year of the practical nursing program at the Muskoka campus.
Haggart had her first son, David, (now 27) when she was still in high school. She was in an accident that caused her to go into pre-term labour and he was rushed to SickKids hospital in Toronto.
The level of care Haggart and her infant received in the hospital sparked her desire to become a nurse.
“I watched in awe the true passion everyone showed working together to save each life that came before them and treating patients like their own family,” reflects Haggart. “I’ve always enjoyed helping others and I remember thinking, ‘Now this is what I want to do.’”
Haggart planned to go into nursing out of high school but life took her on a different path for a while.
She held various jobs and ended up in building management. In 2007, she took over a building in Barrie that had a nursing station and apartments to accommodate those with disabilities on the first floor.
Seeing the dignified living experience those accommodations facilitated for her tenants rekindled Haggart’s desire to go into health care. That’s when she looked into nursing at the Muskoka campus.
She never graduated from high school, so when Haggart was invited to cross the stage to receive her upgrading certificate from Georgian, it was a very proud moment. Thanks to livestream technology her kids could watch the ceremony, as could her gran, who turns 92 this year. Haggart says it meant a lot.
She looks forward to graduating from the practical nursing program in 2024 and having her kids there to celebrate in person this time.
After graduation Haggart plans to work in hospice care and pursue Georgian’s new honours bachelor of science — nursing program.
“Robyn is an inspiration to all of us at Georgian,” says Michelle Kennedy, academic campus support officer. “She’s persevered and even thrived under difficult circumstances — including a cancer diagnosis and a global pandemic. She truly exudes the compassion and care that will make her an exemplary nurse.”
When we asked Haggart what advice she’d give other students who may be struggling, she was quick to say they should share their story — whether with faculty or through other student supports.
“Georgian is here for you, no matter the circumstances,” Haggart explains. “All you need is a willingness to try and you’ll have a network of people who have your back and want you to succeed. I’m so grateful for that.”
