P R I S CI L A YÁ Ñ E Z | SU CC ESS S TO RY Priscila Yáñez was an aspiring realtor in Mexico looking for something specific: an established, robust, in-classroom real estate program in Vancouver that would admit international students. After calling a number of colleges and universities from her home in Mexico with no success, she fortunately found the program she was looking for at Langara. Priscila understood the importance of a good education and knew that she needed to be in-class instead of online to get the most out of the experience. And in such an extensive industry, she believed the quality of education shouldn’t get lost in the quantity of it. But with few post-secondary institutions in the province able to meet her needs, she remained optimistic that Langara believed the same thing. It was a conversation with program coordinator John Neuls that gave Priscila an indication she had found much more than she expected. After explaining her situation and the type of education she wanted, John created a customized yet challenging course plan, and since then, he’s been supportive every step of the way. “He’s the reason I’m in Canada,” she shared. “He’s been a big help from day one, and with the volume of students he has, it’s amazing how he can really care for you as an individual. I owe him everything.” Priscila is also having a wonderful learning experience thanks to her teachers, particularly law instructor Manijeh Moieni, as well as Dennis Ragauskas, who has helped her understand the math needed in real estate with thoughtful consideration and patience. “The biggest impact on me so far has been my instructors. In my years of studying in Mexico and Spain, I’ve never had such amazing teachers who personally care for their students and push them to do their best. I really feel blessed.” Priscila’s efforts are certainly paying off. “I got 97% on the Trading Services (Sales) Licensing examination, the highest mark at the UBC exam centre this year!” Once she receives her license in November, Priscila believes the knowledge she’s gained will give her an advantage in the industry. Inspired by her supportive parents and hardworking grandfather, she has her sights set on becoming one of the top realtors in BC, and eventually in Canada, with aspirations of starting her own real estate company.
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Priscila graduates from the Real Estate program in August.