News Article

With education comes freedom


2/26/2007 10:37:03 AM


Crystal Sheehan has graduated from five College of the North Atlantic programs, including ABE.

Crystal Sheehan is diminutive in stature but packs a big punch when it comes to determination.

Crystal dropped out of high school at age 15 in 1988 and went straight to Ontario to find work. Two years later she returned home to enroll in the two-year Small Business Entrepreneur program at Bay St. George campus.

“College suited me well; I liked the individuality of it,” she says. “I had a child… a demanding baby, and found myself studying more often that not with him on my hip. The program allowed me to work at my pace – I’ve found that about a lot of CNA’s programs.”

And Crystal would know – she has graduated from five of them.

“When I was young I thought I knew everything… thought I wouldn’t need a proper education. I have that conversation now, with my 15 year-old,” shares Crystal.

“But I didn’t realize as a teenager that you cannot get any kind of rewarding job without your education.”

Some time after completing the business program, she went on to enroll in the four-month Orientation to Trades and Technology program, then the nine-month Welding program, followed by the six-month Mobile Crane program. At the end of it, she knew she’d have to stay in school for a while longer.

“I knew I’d have to take ABE at the end – your college diplomas aren’t recognized without that high school diploma.”

Being a female in trades and technology sector hasn’t been easy at times. She’s been told she’s too little, or that she should find another line of work that isn’t so dirty. But the challenges were nothing compared to the life she left behind.

“I was on Social Services for 10 years. It was hard to give that up… to work and study and still put food in the fridge. But I’m so glad I went back to school,” Crystal explains.

“Even if it’s not paid for, take a risk… take a loan… it’s worth it!”

Today, Crystal lives in the Halifax area and works for Pratt and Whitney, where she inspects turbines. She and her team ensure there are no damages to the blades that comprise an integral part of plane engines. She and her partner have just bought a new house with plenty of land for the two children to enjoy. It’s a good life, she says. One that never would have happened if she hadn’t made the leap of faith.

“There is so much opportunity out there, and funding to help. There’s no reason in the world why you can’t get your grade 12 education,” Crystal says, “and so much more!

“It’s possible to not be dependant on the system. Education has opened whole new financial world for me – you wouldn’t believe the freedom I have now.”

Crystal plans to augment her credentials even further. She loves her current work and will soon begin distance business classes with CNA. The busy schedule of working, keeping a home and family and studying is not daunting to this lady.

“When you really want something it’s amazing what you can do,” she suggests. She may be small, but Crystal Sheehan has a big future ahead of her.