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Finding My Path in Healthcare: Miranda’s Story
When I first arrived in Italy five years ago from Peru, I was 26 and full of hope, but the reality was much harder than I had imagined. Adapting to a new country, a new language, and a new way of life was anything but easy. I started working as a babysitter, which helped me get by, but it didn’t feel like enough.
Then the pandemic hit. Losing my job was devastating, but it also made me reflect. I’d always wanted to help others, and during those long, uncertain months, I decided it was time to pursue something more meaningful.
Last year, I heard about the OSS (Operator of Socio-Sanitary Services) course and decided to enrol. The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Financially, it was tough—no job meant constant worry. And without a strong network, it was hard to figure out where to turn. But I was fortunate. During the course, I met wonderful people—classmates and professors who offered not only professional and educational guidance but personal support too. Their belief in me made all the difference.
Today, I finally hold a Healthcare Professional qualification. While I’m still helping out at home, I dream of working in a healthcare facility. This course has been a transformative experience, helping me grow, integrate, and, most importantly, believe in myself. I’m incredibly grateful for the people who supported us—it’s not something I take for granted. Now, my dream is to continue studying, to train further, and to become a nurse. I want to dedicate my life to helping others, to making a difference in hospitals and beyond. For the first time, I feel confident about the future.