What program are you taking at CNC?
You’re getting so close to graduating! Are you excited?
I’ve got mixed emotions. I’m excited to finish this part of my life and use the lessons I’ve learned at CNC, but it’s hard to think about leaving this environment. CNC has nurtured me in a way that’s really unique.
Is this your first experience with post-secondary education?
Back in the Philippines, I graduated from an accounting management program. It’s very different from the course I’m in now, but all my time after that course was spent in the tourism and hospitality industry, so it made sense to pursue that. I was actually a flight attendant for five years.
Why did you decide to pursue a different career path?
It was a great experience to fly to so many different Asian countries, but it got really repetitive. There are some people who make a great career out of it and spend 25 or 30 years in the field, but it wasn’t right for me. I missed spending holidays with my family, which is ironic now that I’m studying in Canada. I wanted more stability, so I started looking at the management track.
So, what made you look at post-secondary options in Canada?
I had a professor who went to work for an airline in the USA, then came back to the Philippines to be a trainer with more stability. It was my “aha” moment. I also remember my parents wanted to come here as migrants before the immigration system changed. I realized I could grow my own potential while fulfilling my parent’s dream of going to Canada. They were able to come visit last May, and that was amazing.
Going from the Philippines to Canada – that's a big move. What’s been the most challenging part?
I had no connections here at all. I didn’t have family here. I didn't have friends here. I’m able to use technology to connect with my family, so that’s helped a little, but at the beginning I was very alone.
But then, I made friends in my classes. My program has a lot of international students, so we kind of created our own family away from home. We comfort and help each other, which has made a strong bond because we’ve all experienced similar feelings.
How did CNC help with that transition process?
CNC has a lot of supports for international students, but I really love the mental health resources. I went to a workshop with my classmates because we wanted to be equipped and keep our mental health intact. People don’t really talk openly about mental health in the Philippines, so it’s refreshing to see programs like this exist. I especially love the therapy dogs!
My instructors helped a lot too. They care about us – and it’s not just about the grades. They want to see us grow. Having that kind of a safe, nurturing environment made a big difference for my development.
Now that you’re almost at the graduation finish line, what comes next?
Well, tourism and hospitality management is a very broad field. I have a lot of options like returning to the airline or working at one of the beautiful nature parks.
For now, I plan to stay in Canada. I actually work at a hotel right now, so having this diploma opens up lots of opportunities to progress within that company. Who knows how I’ll feel in a few years. I’ve always loved to travel and explore as a flight attendant, and the company I work for has global opportunities. If a promotion came up somewhere else in the world, I’d go for it!
What should international students know who are considering coming to CNC?
Like I said, CNC is a really good learning environment. They’re supportive of their students’ learning goals and they care about your mental health. Prince George is a small community too, so there’s more opportunity to focus on your studies and get that extra edge when it comes to improving your skills.
Also, there’s no traffic – so that’s a plus!