Program: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician/Truck and Transport Mechanic

Grad Year: 2024

1. Where and when were you born?

I was born July 23, 2004, in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

2. What is your current job and list some things you like about it?

I am a mechanic at Kenworth, and some things I like about this job are the amazing opportunities they give me while I’m still an apprentice and not as knowledgeable as a lot of others working here. It makes me feel super confident and encourages me to keep learning and excel in this trade.

Another thing I like about this job is the people I work with. They all take the time to explain how to do a job and teach me their tricks on how they might approach things differently to make it easier or more productive. They have so much patience with me, and I never end up feeling distraught or down on myself when I’m not quite understanding.

Those two things alone keep me excited every day going to work — along with many other things!

3. How does it relate to your diploma or certificate?

At CNA, I did the Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Mechanic course, and the job I have now will certify me to be a truck and transport mechanic.

4. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your lifetime?

The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my lifetime is overcoming the thought that I’m not the only person who makes mistakes — and that when I do, it doesn’t mean I’m horrible at what I’m doing, or that I’ve somehow made the world end (in dramatic terms).

This was a hard battle because I was always the type of person to dwell on mistakes — not just in my work, but in sports and in my personal life. It would just take me over. I constantly feared making mistakes, and when I did, I felt like I was done for. I couldn’t get myself out of my head, and it would eat at me for days on end over one simple mistake.

5. What’s your favourite place in the world?

My favourite place in the world is at a cabin — whether that’s with my friends, my boyfriend, my family or even by myself. Just somewhere in the woods, in a cabin, I am happy.

6. Can you describe an experience that changed your life?

Moving to Stephenville for school — and not necessarily the place I moved to, but just the whole experience of moving out of my house completely alone. It ended up being the best decision of my life.

7. What’s your favourite movie or book?

My favourite movie is Smokey and the Bandit.

8. Is your current career path as you originally intended?

I had many dreams and wishes about what I wanted to be, especially when I was younger. But mechanics first piqued my interest in Grade 5 when I started watching YouTube videos on cars. My first thought was to be an automotive mechanic, then eventually I turned to truck and transport.

9. What challenges did you face in launching your career?

I faced the mental battle of thinking, “I’m not going to make it in this trade. I’m not strong or smart enough and barely have any knowledge.” But quickly, at my workplace — with the help of the people here — they proved me wrong.

10. What advice would you give to your CNA first-year self?

Advice I would give to my first-year self at CNA would be: don’t let people with “more” experience than you in your class intimidate you, because we are all in our first years for a reason.