In a world where career paths are increasingly fluid, Exhilda’s journey from journalism to healthcare in Minnesota’s senior living communities stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and compassion.

Her story, captured in this enlightening interview, reveals how diverse experiences can shape a meaningful career in senior care environments, offering inspiration to those considering a change or just starting their professional lives in assisted living or long-term care communities.

Click below to play Exhilda’s Interview:

Interview Transcript:

Eric: And so you got an interesting fellowship opportunity, scholarship was it? Or what what was it that brought you here to Minnesota?

Exhilda: It was a fellowship, so I was lucky enough that the Pioneer Press would pick me to come and be their fellow. So they asked me to do obituaries and I didn’t know how that would look like. I knew nobody. They just gave me obituaries and said, here right and the most surprising thing was how people could live up to a hundred years, ninety years, because I was coming from Zambia where the life expectancy was thirty seven and a half. So after my fellowship I wanted to do do a little more studying, kind of dive into science or health.

Eric: What what was your first role here in in the nursing industry in Minnesota then?

Exhilda: I was a nursing assistant and I’m so thankful that I was able to do that because I think that was the foundation that built my my healthcare career. I was able to take care of, people at the at the point where they really need somebody, and that taught me a lot of grace, a lot of patience.

Eric: You were very well established in the journalism career. Quite accomplished. And yet it’s still not too late to take a turn into the caregiving industry for for for those that may be in something else. It’s you can still learn and figure out what you want to be in this in this industry too.

Exhilda: Yeah. There’s a place for everybody, because aging is an is is not an option and no matter what you do, no matter what kind of career you are in, one one point or another you would be faced with an opportunity to take care of your loved one, a friend, So there’s always something in health care that anyone can learn.

Eric: Is it rewarding working with seniors?

Exhilda: Yes. Yes. I don’t I don’t even I was thinking of an answer the right way to really express that, but it’s it’s an an honor.

Eric: Would you recommend this field to somebody that was interested in possibly getting into long term care?

Exhilda: I think I’m an ambassador. It’s it’s a career that will always be there because people continue needing people to take care of them. There’s lots of room. There’s lots of help, and we need people.

Redefining Career Paths

As we reflect on Exhilda’s journey, it becomes clear that the healthcare industry, particularly in senior living and eldercare settings, benefits immensely from diverse perspectives and experiences. Her story challenges us to think differently about career transitions and the value of empathy in professional life within retirement communities and nursing homes.

Whether you’re contemplating a career change or seeking to understand the world of senior care better, Exhilda’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into a field that touches us all and plays a crucial role in supporting our aging population.

Explore healthcare career opportunities with Cassia: CassiaLife.org/Jobs.

Cassia’s mission is to foster fullness of life for older adults. Cassia provides independent and assisted living communities, memory care, skilled nursing care centers, short-term rehabilitation centers, adult day programs and a variety of community-based services for older adults across five states.