From an early age, Richa Sharma watched a number of close family members go through medical emergencies. Those experiences became the driving force for the Class of 2024 Valedictorian and 2024 President’s Scholarship winner.
“Thinking back on my personal history has always served as a great motivator to excel and succeed,” says Richa, a new graduate of the Respiratory Therapy Program. “It’s not just about my expertise as a clinician, having been through so many tough situations myself it’s about being truly empathetic for people in those moments.”
Following complications during his birth, Richa’s younger brother had his life saved thanks to critical assistance from the Acute Care Transport Service (ACTS) at The Hospital for Sick Children. She still remembers watching the respiratory therapist perform treatment within the hospital and throughout her brother’s recovery.
The experience would fundamentally shape Richa’s future.
“When my brother was born, he suffered from a bad case of meconium aspiration and required a long resuscitation,” she says. “They warned us that he wasn’t going to make it, but the ACTS team came in and rescued him.”
Richa will now become a respiratory therapist at SickKids Hospital, with hopes of joining the ACTS team herself in the future – a path she felt destined to take because of all they did for her brother and family.
“It’s kind of my way to pay it forward,” she says.
She will also join the team at Sunnybrook Hospital later this summer as a respiratory therapist.
Michener was the top choice for Richa’s pursuit of healthcare. She knew about the school because her mother had applied here when she was a student but was unable to attend. When Richa looked closer into the courses and programs she was impressed by the reputation and bridging opportunities provided.
As she prepares to embark on her career, Richa says she is truly humbled to receive recognition for her hard work. “It’s nice to leave a mark on a place you hold so close,” she says.
Her parting advice to her fellow students is to take advantage of the learning opportunities and supports offered through Michener. “Everyone is like-minded and geared towards the same goal,” she says. “Keep persevering and you are able to bear fruit.”
