A cross-continental journey, a new culture, and enrolling in a full-time post-secondary program while working and raising a family is enough to overwhelm anyone … but for Kat Mesones, it was also the opportunity of a lifetime. Originally from Peru, Kat moved to Moncton with her husband and son in January 2021 to attend NBCC … Read more
Samantha Connors-Lebreton has always had a passion for working with children and youth, but her biggest source of inspiration throughout her NBCC journey has been her daughter. “What motivated me most during my studies was my daughter,” said Samantha. “Knowing that she was watching me and seeing everything I was doing made me want to … Read more
Russ Brown never predicted he would be back in the classroom after more than 23 years in the workforce, but when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted his job in the travel industry, he seized the opportunity to forge a new path. “I think COVID allowed a lot of people, including myself, to take a step back … Read more
Mark Ferrish never had any intentions of pursuing leadership opportunities in the workplace. That was until he discovered NBCC’s Applied Studies programs, and everything changed. “Leadership wasn’t something I had really considered – I thought I would just be an employee that would come in, do my work, and go home,” said Mark. “But when … Read more
When Juan Vargas arrived in New Brunswick for the first time, the crisp winter air was not the only thing giving him goosebumps. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Juan began his NBCC journey in September 2020. After studying remotely for the first semester of his program while continuing to work full-time, Juan and his wife moved … Read more
Editor’s note: The following is a firsthand account of the NBCC experience by Scott Cooper, a 2022 graduate of the Process Control Technician program at Saint John Campus. Before enrolling at NBCC, I spent the last 20 years working internationally as an operator, project manager and area manager for a large oilfield service company. With … Read more
At NBCC, carpentry students build useful things with wood and tools. They also build with their hearts and souls, leaving a legacy of community leadership that remains long after they graduate. Carpentry students at St. Andrews Campus recently put their newfound skills and training to work for the Passamaquoddy Children’s Centre, building three unique outdoor … Read more
At the Moncton campus of NBCC, skilled trades students are hitting community leadership out of the park. Carpentry, electrical, and welding students have teamed up to build a two-storey multi-use building for Moncton Minor Baseball. The new building will enable the minor baseball association to host national events, said Andy Petersen, an instructor at NBCC … Read more
A childhood marked by trauma, an impromptu departure from formal education, and a history of addiction are not holding Amanda Smith back from transforming her life, with the help of a new bursary at NBCC. When Amanda learned she was eligible for NBCC’s Former Youth in Care Tuition Bursary, she was open to the opportunity, … Read more
In a classroom at BWS Manufacturing, a heavy haul trailer company in Centreville, NBCC students are patiently waiting to hear the words that get the sparks flying. “All right, let’s head down to the shop!” After a morning of theory, the participants in NBCC’s fourth cohort of a 12-week MIG welding microcredential program are eager … Read more
From a young age, Maricris Tamula had big dreams of moving to Canada. Growing up in Tarlac, a province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines, times were not always easy for her family and the thought of a life in Canada was very appealing. Now married and with a family of her own, … Read more
As an Indigenous woman with strong ties to her community and a passion for working with children and youth, NBCC’s Child and Youth Care program was the perfect fit for Christine Ward. After growing up in Eel Ground First Nation, a Mi’kmaq community on the Miramichi River, she spent some time exploring other careers and … Read more