What Changed, What Stayed, and What Came Next
Five years ago, Zeida shared her story in a blog post titled A Student’s Self-Discovery Journey in the Reboot Plus Program. At the time, she was navigating uncertainty, exploring interests, and learning to trust herself in a world that often pressures young people to have everything figured out.
Today, Zeida’s journey offers a compelling look at the long-term impact of Reboot Plus. Not only does Reboot Plus help students make immediate decisions, but it also shapes how they approach learning, work, and self-worth years later.
We sat down with Zeida for a follow-up conversation to reflect on what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how Reboot Plus continues to influence her life.
Where Zeida Is Now: Finding Her Path in Veterinary Medicine
When Zeida first entered Reboot Plus, she had a wide range of interests, including science, cooking, and marine biology. She didn’t 
expect to end up where she is today, but in hindsight, her path makes sense.
Zeida now works full-time as a veterinary assistant at a small clinic in New Westminster, where she has a highly hands-on role. In the absence of veterinary technicians at the clinic, she assists with surgeries, monitors animals under anesthesia, administers treatments, supports clients, and helps keep the clinic running day to day.
“It’s busy, and I love it,” she shared.
Her work is demanding, emotionally complex, and deeply rewarding; especially when she sees animals recover and return home healthy.
Gaining Direction Without Rushing the Process
When she looks back, one of the biggest shifts Zeida notices is her sense of direction.
“I was very young and had so many ideas of what I wanted to do,” she said. “Now I know I definitely want to work with animals.”
After giving herself time to explore, Zeida completed the Veterinary Office and Animal Care (VOAC) program at Douglas College, a six-month intensive program she describes as challenging, fulfilling, and formative. She graduated in August 2025 and transitioned directly into full-time work.
She doesn’t see her four-year break before post-secondary as lost time.
“I didn’t feel behind,” she explained. “I needed that time to figure out what I wanted to do. If I did something right away, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Letting Go of Fear and Self-Doubt
In her original blog post, Zeida spoke openly about uncertainty and self-doubt. Five years later, those fears look very different.
“I used to think maybe I would never get a career and that I’d just do dead-end jobs because I was so indecisive,” she said. “Now I know I’ve found my passion.”
That shift shows up most clearly in how she treats herself at work.
“I know I’m good at my job. When I make a mistake, I don’t get down on myself. I’m learning and mistakes don’t define me as a person.”
This sense of self-worth, she says, has been one of the most lasting outcomes of her experience in Reboot Plus.
Skills That Last: Communication, Confidence, and Curiosity
When asked what tools from Reboot Plus she still uses today, Zeida didn’t hesitate.
“Communication,” she said. “It gave me confidence talking to peers, professionals, and people with more experience.”
Through informational interviews and guided exploration, Reboot Plus helped her learn how to ask questions, reach out, and have conversations that once felt intimidating. Those skills now show up daily in client interactions, teamwork, and professional growth.
Just as importantly, the program helped her understand what she didn’t want.
“Reboot gave me the opportunity to weigh my interests and see what would actually work for me as a career,” she said. “Some things I loved but couldn’t see doing them as a job. And that clarity was huge.”
Why Programs Like Reboot Plus Matter
Reflecting on the difference between Reboot Plus and more traditional career education, Zeida pointed to how personal and hands-on the program felt.
“The classes were smaller. The instructors worked closely with you. If you had an interest, they helped set up conversations with people actually working in that field.”
That real-world exposure made career exploration feel grounded, supportive, and realistic, rather than abstract or overwhelming.
For young people who feel unsure, stuck, or pressured to decide quickly, Zeida believes programs like Reboot Plus are important.
“It’s okay to feel unsure,” she said. “Just try something you really like. See if it fits. And if it doesn’t, that’s okay too. You can do something else.”
Looking Ahead: Growth, Education, and Confidence
Next on Zeida’s horizon is returning to school to become a certified veterinary technician. She wants to build on her hands-on experience with deeper technical knowledge.
“I want to understand the reasons behind what I’m doing,” she said. “That education will give me even more confidence.”
Her journey is far from over, but it’s grounded in self-trust, curiosity, and a clear sense that growth doesn’t have to follow a linear timeline.
A Five-Year Reflection
When asked what she wishes more people understood about her journey, Zeida answered:
“It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do. But if I had done anything sooner, I’d probably be unhappy.”
Five years on, her story demonstrates the impact of Reboot Plus isn’t just about immediate outcomes. Rather, it’s about helping young people build the confidence, self-awareness, and resilience they carry with them long after the program ends.
The Reboot Plus project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada.