News Article

Getting back to basics


9/14/2010 9:33:13 AM


Mary Greene needed a change in her life. Her children were grown and she was ready to look into opportunities. After working as a fisherperson for a while, and feeling there had to be something more for her, Greene went back to school. She enrolled in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program at College of the North Atlantic (CNA).

The ABE program at CNA offers high school equivalency designed for adults who did not complete high school. It opens doors for furthering education which is what Greene did after completing the ABE program.

“When I finished my ABE program in 2006 I wanted to continue on with my education. I researched other trades CNA had to offer and the Instrumentation program sparked my interest. I spoke to the instructor who was teaching it at the time to get a feel of what it was all about. I thought it would be interesting so I enrolled in September 2007.”

Greene states that although the ABE program work was sometimes challenging, with the help from one particular instructor, she was able to overcome those challenges.

“The course work over all was great, it was challenging at times, but I got through it at the end. I couldn’t have asked for better instructors. Not only were they my instructors, but also my friends.

“Brian Walsh, my former mathematics instructor, influenced me the most. I had trouble understanding mathematics at times but Brian was always there for me and put in the extra time to help me understand the concepts. He kept telling me that I can do anything I put my mind to. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Walsh remembers that Greene was a very determined and hard working student. He was impressed by her growing level of confidence.

“At first glance Mary appeared to be a typical mature ABE student. She was doubtful about her ability to succeed, and her ability to adapt to a classroom environment after having been out of school for an extended period of time. What I didn’t know at first glance was that what Mary lacked in initial confidence she more than made up for with her determination, hard work and will to succeed.

“As Mary’s level of knowledge grew so did her level of confidence. It was as if one fed off the other. She is a true testament to what a mature student armed with knowledge can do.”

Since graduating from both the ABE and Instrumentation and Control Technician programs at CNA, Greene has been working in her field for the last three years. She recently finished a job working with MMR Group in Alberta, and will head back to school in October to do her third block of instrumentation before going back out west.

Greene has come a long way since starting her education in 2004. She believes that she not only received a great education during her time at CNA but also gained personal confidence.

“I would recommend the ABE program to anyone who didn’t finish their education in high school. It is a great program that gives you a lot of confidence to move on and better yourself. The instructors are great; they let you work at your own pace and they are very encouraging.

“The best thing I could have done to better my life was go to CNA. The college definitely has the best ABE program and I certainly felt prepared for my current position. CNA has provided me with the skills, knowledge and education to compete with the best graduates from institutions everywhere.

“The high quality staff, instructors and leading edge facilities provide students with a world class technical advantage in today’s competitive work place.”

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Media Contact:

Pamela Spencer-Sheppard
Public Relations Assistant
College of the North Atlantic
709 643 7928
pam.spencer@cna.nl.ca