MOOSE JAW — Rhea Almeda overcame several challenges while studying at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and hopes her story can encourage other students who are struggling and inspire her two children to persevere.
Almeda is a mature international student who convocated from the Moose Jaw campus’ business insurance program on June 13. During the ceremony, she was recognized for graduating with distinction and for making the Dean’s Honour List, while she also received the Outstanding Citizenship Award for her volunteerism.
Almeda said it was “a very good privilege” to receive the award, while she was “proud of all the sacrifices” she and her husband, Jim, made despite giving up “the good life” in Dubai to move to Moose Jaw so she could become an international student and having to juggle several responsibilities.
“I am proud of myself,” she remarked.
Furthermore, Almeda can now tell her 13-year-old son, Robby, and 10-year-old daughter, Abby, that, despite the financial struggles they faced, with focus, determination, grit, self-discipline, the right attitude toward studying, and prayers, “everything will fall into place” and they can achieve their goals.
She said that if she can return to school in her 40s and succeed, then anyone can.
Moreover, her experience should encourage other international students — who are usually younger, single and childless — not to quit, even though they are away from family and likely struggling with life and multiple part-time jobs.
The Almedas are from the Philippines, where Rhea worked for many years in the medical insurance field. She — and her family — later moved to Dubai, where she worked in the same field for 15 years as a regional manager with files in countries like Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Eventually, Rhea and her husband moved to Canada “with very high hopes” that it would be a good place for their children. She also decided to pursue more post-secondary education.
Returning to university was difficult after about 20 years away, she chuckled, although the hard work and sacrifice paid off.
The family moved to Moose Jaw in November 2022 — “from a sandstorm to a snowstorm” — where Rhea began taking the two-year business insurance program. However, because she took an accelerated learning approach, she finished in 16 months.
“It was very challenging,” Almeda said.
Time management was the biggest issue because, besides school, she also had a family and part-time job, so she woke up early to study and prepare for the day. Moreover, there were also volunteer activities with the Sask. Polytech Student Association and community newcomer groups.
“I love to serve my community, so it’s a selfless activity, but there is a satisfaction and happiness within me if I share my time and energy … ,” Almeda said, noting she developed this servant-like attitude after receiving support while studying in the Philippines.
Reaching the end of her program was stressful because, besides the regular final exams, Almeda also had to take national exams through the Insurance Institute of Canada so she could acquire her professional licence. That was tough because she had to complete three of the national exams from April 1 to 15 and then take her final course exams on April 17.
“It was really hard. It was a matter of sacrifice and juggling those multiple jobs (of) a mom, a wife and a part-time job,” Almeda said. “But I’m proud of myself because I was able to do it with flying colours.”
Almeda didn’t wait long to land a permanent job because on April 30 — six days after her final exam — she began working with multinational insurance company AON Risk Solutions in Regina as its associate account executive.
Although she works in Regina, the Sask. Polytech graduate and her family live in Moose Jaw, which they enjoy since there is less stress here compared to “the hustle and bustle” of Dubai. She acknowledged that the move was challenging for her children, but they have adapted.
Moose Jaw might be small, but it has everything the family needs, including a church, a school, a college and Big Box stores.
Besides a plaque, Saskatchewan Polytechnic also honoured Almeda on June 13 during a luncheon.
