Upon beginning the program, Saul Gabriel Merino worked at a multinational company as a department manager with tasks varying from financial management to working with clients. Saul was also responsible for overseeing 20 to 30 employees and focused considerably on their health and wellbeing. To bring more health and safety knowledge to his workplace, Saul decided to pursue Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) education, which led him to the UFred Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Systems (COHSES) program.

Prior to the COHSES program, the last time Saul had been in an academic setting was in Chile while attending medical school. Although it was daunting for Saul to return to school after three decades, particularly where English was not his first language, he was determined to succeed.

 One of the highlights of Saul’s educational journey was the exceptional teaching methods and the enriching interactions he had with his instructors and peers. It was in these moments of collaboration and learning that Saul felt he truly realized the value of his education. But it wasn’t just during the program that Saul gained value. Once he was finished, he noticed he had a more profound understanding of OHS, which he felt prepared him to support his employees better.

During the COHSES program, Saul realized that he has a genuine passion for maintaining the health and safety of others and has since transitioned into an OHS-focused role as a Preventive Medicine Technician (Pmed) with the Department of National Defence.

Saul’s advice to future students revolves around continuing to broaden your knowledge regardless of your age.

“I would tell anyone who wants to expand their knowledge at any age to go for it. Everything works out along the way, and with that, so does confidence.”