CLARENVILLE, NL – Arlette Strang recently got a much-needed shot in the arm.
It wasn’t because she is a Practical Nursing (PN) student at College of the North Atlantic (CNA); rather, it was a $5,000 bursary from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
Strang is the most recent recipient of the Paul and Gerry Charette Bursary, one of several CNA students to have received this distinction over the years.
Arlette Strang smiles from her home on Random Island, NL. She was recently awarded the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary to continue her studies in Practical Nursing at CNA’s Clarenville campus.
“I was so overjoyed when I got the call stating that I was selected,” she said. “It will make such a difference in my life and help alleviate some of the financial strain as I continue with my studies.”
The CICan Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary provides financial assistance to students in need with a special consideration to students in rural or remote areas. She said the bursary will allow her to focus on her studies and not her finances.
“I was not successful in securing funding to attend school as I had a late acceptance into the program,” explained Strang. “I paid for my first semester myself with the hopes that I would secure a job as I moved along into the program. Being the selected candidate for this bursary is huge for me because it helps to cover my tuition costs, and books, etc.”
Originally from Lawn on the province’s south coast, Strang says her instructors at Clarenville campus have been the key to her success.
“CNA offers a great program, and my instructors are all amazing,” she said. “They are all very supportive and dedicated and want to see us all succeed.”
Another highlight of her program is the field work.
“I am enjoying all aspects of the program, but my favourite part of the program so far has been participating in the labs,” said the first-year PN student. “I’m a hands-on kind of person and they really prepare you for working in the field.”
Strang says caring for others is something she’s been interested in ever since she can remember.
“From a young age, I always longed to work in the health care field, but it was never the right time,” she recalled. “Doors opened at the right time in my life this past fall to start this journey in becoming a Practical Nurse.”
Currently living in Random Island, Strang says caring for family members sparked her interest in nursing.
“I have always been someone who took pride in helping others. If I can help someone even in the smallest way, it makes me feel like I am making a difference and it brings me a lot of joy,” she said. “In the past, I cared for people in my own family who suffered with chronic illness. It is something that I am good at, and it pushed me to want to pursue this career path.”
Set to graduate in May 2023, Strang says she would encourage others to pursue this career.
“For anyone wishing to pursue a career in this field, I would highly recommend it. I am so thankful to be selected as the recipient of the CICan Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary. It’s going to make a huge impact in my life with continuing with my studies.”
When she is not studying, Strang enjoys spending time with family, walking, hiking and kayaking.
“Any opportunity I can get to go outside to enjoy some fresh air and explore is something I love to do,” she says, especially during life in a pandemic.
For more information about Practical Nursing and other CNA programs, visit
www.cna.nl.ca.
For more information about CICan’s Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary, visit
here.
-30-
Media contact:
Ryanne McIsaac
Content Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7870
Ryanne.mcisaac@cna.nl.ca