The Parking Attendant

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"I live by the golden rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'" This creed guides Edith Augustin every day as a member of the Sunnybrook parking services team.

Whether it's assisting rehabilitation patients at the St. John's Rehab site with parking passes, parking enforcement duties or speaking with a visitor or patient who has just received bad news and is distressed, her work is customer-focused and about helping people. "Even as a parking attendant, I feel as though I'm part of the health-care team here," says Edith.

Born in St. Lucia, Edith came to Canada in 2001 to further her studies and attained a BA in English from York University. Education has always been close to her heart. At the age of 16, her first job was teaching at a kindergarten to Grade 4 combined school. After completing high school, she attained a teaching certificate from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in St. Lucia.

Edith decided to further her learning last year. With the support of a grant from Sunnybrook's Continuing Education Support Fund, she is currently studying accounting at Seneca College through an online program that suits her schedule. "To be at an institution that promotes and supports continuing education means a lot to me," she says.

Together with her 21-year-old daughter, Edith values and appreciates life to the fullest. Both are avid readers and have formed their own book club. A nature enthusiast, Edith has climbed Gros Piton, a volcanic mountain in St. Lucia, and a recent trip took her to the Grand Canyon, where she experienced panoramic views and sunsets that were beyond description. "I will always choose experiences over material things," says Edith.

"One day, I would like to volunteer at a women's shelter to give others the hope to realize their full potential. Working at Sunnybrook has allowed me to advance myself and also make a difference in the lives of others."

This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department, in consultation with Sunnybrook. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.