“Becoming a mom feels almost superhuman. Suddenly, you find yourself able to do anything for your children.”

With these words, Devika Nair reflects on the strength she never knew she had until motherhood. She speaks with joy and emotion about her children, the source of power that carries her through life’s twists and turns.

Early years

Devika grew up in a loving family. Her father worked as a truck driver and later as a forklift driver for a packaging company, while her mother stayed at home until Devika was about fifteen before retraining as a hairstylist. Her parents always encouraged her to do what she loved, reminding her that happiness mattered more than living up to others’ expectations.

Like many, Devika’s teenage years were fun but full of uncertainty. “I hadn’t discovered what I was passionate about. I tried accounting, business, even nursing, but nothing fit.” At her mom’s suggestion, she tried makeup artistry and loved it. That decision led to a long and fulfilling career with a major cosmetic company, where she not only helped women feel confident but also herself, being promoted to the role of Operations Manager.

Turning point

Everything changed when COVID-19 hit. The cosmetic company downsized and the beauty industry moved online almost overnight. Devika was one of only a few people retained from her team of 28, but her Operations Manager role was eliminated, and she was reassigned to an assistant position.

As her career was shifting, so was her personal life. Devika welcomed her first child, Isaac, with some complications. During delivery, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, requiring an emergency C-section. Thanks to the quick action of doctors and nurses, Isaac survived and arrived safely in her arms.

Not long after Isaac’s birth, Devika was filled with happiness and hope when she found out she was expecting twins. In the 35th week, at what was supposed to be her final ultrasound, she felt something was wrong. “I knew it when my ultrasound tech went quiet. Then another came in, and then another. My heart stopped when they said, ‘Your doctor will call you.’”

The following morning, on Valentine’s Day, her doctor called her in for an emergency C-section. “He told me one of my twins had passed away. Never in my life did I imagine those words would be about my baby.” Holding one baby while grieving the loss of the other was a pain beyond anything she had ever known.

Stronger than ever

Her children gave Devika the strength to carry on. “I didn’t know love like this existed until I became a mom. I wanted to be better for them,” she says.

Motherhood also gave her a new perspective on life and deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who supported her through her most traumatic moments. Needing to build a stable future for her children and give back the care she received, Devika was drawn to healthcare.

“I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn’t know how to get my foot in the door,” she says. Then she discovered the Nursing Unit Clerk program at Stenberg College. “I looked at many programs, but Stenberg’s was exactly what I was looking for.”

Bright future ahead

During her studies, Devika became pregnant again. The timing wasn’t ideal. She was already juggling toddlers, full-time studies, and work. However, her pregnancy gave her even more strength to keep moving forward. “I became stronger than I ever thought I could be,” she shares.

Devika excelled in the program, graduating with an extraordinary 98% grade point average. During her practicum at BC Cancer, she settled in quickly. “On the first day of my practicum, I expected to be overwhelmed, but instead I felt comfortable and supported. The system was easy to learn, and the staff were friendly. By my second day, I was working with almost no supervision. The program truly prepared me for this role,” she shares.

Today, Devika is both a proud mom and a dedicated Nursing Unit Clerk at BC Cancer, where she was hired right after her graduation. Three weeks ago, Devika and her husband welcomed the newest addition to their family, a healthy and beautiful baby girl, Amirah.

From helping women feel beautiful in the makeup chair to helping patients feel cared for in the hospital, Devika’s journey has come full circle. Her path may have taken unexpected turns, but each twist prepared her for where she is today – a devoted mother, a compassionate professional, and a woman whose love continues to change lives.