News Article

Student defines passion in the digital age


11/30/2006 11:00:54 AM


Rajash Massey has been recognized for his hard work, leadership and giving spirit with two scholarship awards.

Rajash Massey is a man who wants his life’s work to be his life’s passion.

Though having successfully found work after completing a university degree, Massey didn’t discover his calling until he enrolled in College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) two-year Digital Animation program. He was moved to do so after coming to the realization that a nine-to-five existence was not for him.

“I knew there had to be a better way of earning a living… more than just an exchange of service for money. I knew that way was through having a career – a life’s work that uses personal talent and is a permanent calling,” shares Massey.

The second-year student is poised to graduate from CNA’s Bay St. George campus in the spring. Thrilled that he has found his calling, he didn’t think it could get any better until recently receiving recognition for his contribution to academic excellence and student life.

Last week at Bay St. George’s awards ceremony, Massey was presented with the prestigious Canadian Millennium Scholarship for 2006-2007 and also received one of CNA’s newest awards – the Fry Family Scholarship.

The $4,000 Millennium Excellence Award recognizes academic success, significant contribution to community, leadership and a commitment to innovation. The $1,500 Fry scholarship recognizes students for leadership, academics and ambition.

Massey has volunteered his time and talents in various ways since his arrival at Bay St. George campus, including tutoring his fellow students and providing extensive tutorials outlining the processes discussed in class. He was also instrumental in forming the CNA Cinema Club and worked his way up the ranks from secretary to president. He currently acts as advisor for the club.

Digital Animation coordinating instructor Jim Grace gladly recommended Massey for the Millennium award.

“Rajash is a talented and exemplary first year student, and conscientious to a fault. He regularly, and without any remunerative incentive, assists weaker students with academic difficulties,” says Grace.

“I have met few who deserve recognition more.”

Massey has also contributed to the college community as class representative for Student Council and by joining with fellow students in such activities as a protest march against cuts in literacy funding and most recently, assisting with a volunteer fair held at BSG campus in November.

He had no idea his activities would lead to such recognition, and is pleasantly surprised.

“I am truly blessed and grateful that such scholarships are available. I feel excited, proud and appreciated after winning these awards,” he says. “I’ve worked hard… all the way or not at all, is the motto of my life.”

Massey is putting the money in a savings account to help with bills for him and his fledgling family during the summer while he looks for work. He is fairly confident that his Fine Arts Degree will be perfectly complimented by the hands-on skills he’s acquiring from his studies with the Digital Animation program.

“I am finding the program truly rewarding and it takes full advantage of my range of skills; it is also improving skills I never knew I had,” he exclaims.

“A career is generally viewed as something you have a passion about and what better way to find passion than to pursue a program where your talents will take you far.”

Though he misses his family dearly, he knows the decision to be away from them for now will help with his career goal. After graduating from the two-year program in the spring of 2007, Massey will return to his wife Corinne and son Samuel in Mount Pearl and work in the industry. He wishes to become a great animator then teach what he knows to others.

“I know this is the path for me. A true career will give you energy to get up in the morning and give you the spark to keep you up late at night.”
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For more information contact:
Tanya Alexander
Public Information Officer
709. 643.7894