Committed to lifelong learning
Three alumni of College of the North Atlantic (CNA) are hitting the books for a second time.
Jillian Saunders, Orique Gordon and Hugh Alcock have each completed a program at CNA and are currently in the process of completing their second.
Saunders first graduated from CNA’s Personal Care Attendant program at the Happy Valley–Goose Bay campus in 2016. After working in health care, she decided to return to continue her education.
“I decided to come back to CNA because I knew I wanted to grow in my career and do more in health care. My experience in personal care showed me how much I enjoy helping people, and I felt ready to take the next step,” she said. “Returning to CNA felt like coming back to a place that supported me before and could help me reach my next goal of becoming an LPN.”
Saunders is currently in the Practical Nursing program at the same campus and is set to graduate in June 2026.
“I’ve found this program challenging, rewarding, and incredibly meaningful as I prepare to become an LPN,” she said.
Saunders said CNA’s programs and instructors played a key role in her decision to return and says she would encourage others to follow their own lifelong learning journey.
“I would recommend CNA because of the supportive instructors, hands-on learning, and real-world preparation it provides,” she explained. “Starting with Personal Care and then moving into Practical Nursing is a great pathway. It helps build confidence, skills, and a deeper understanding of patient care before taking on the responsibilities of an LPN.”
Two is better than one or Double Double
Orique Gordon is another student committed to continuous education. He graduated from CNA’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program in June 2025.
“I was first exposed to CNA by an instructor when was enrolled into the local aircraft program. He spoke very highly of the school noting that CNA helped to start the department. I also came to learn that a few of the graduating students had also enrolled into the CNA aircraft program and found great success,” he said.
After discovering a strong interest in hands on work, he enrolled in a second program.
“I decided to join the one-year Aircraft Structural Repair Program because I found myself enjoying the projects to the same degree as a hobby,” adding that building relationships and continuing education are important regardless of your career path.
“I’d like people to know that first impressions are everything, make long lasting connections and continue to qualify yourself for what ever career you decide to enter into.”
All roads lead to home
Hugh Alcock also returned to CNA after completing an earlier program. He graduated from Business Management Marketing in 2021 before deciding to pursue a slightly different career option.
“It wasn’t an easy choice to go back to school for two years and re-adopt student life, but CNA was the clear choice because of how well it prepared me for business,” he said.
After learning more about therapeutic recreation, Alcock enrolled in the Community Therapeutic Recreation program in 2024. He is set to graduate in April 2026.
Alcock said CNA’s instructors and program structure influenced his decision to return.
“One of the things that really stands out is the instructors, they genuinely want to see you succeed,” he said.
He also encouraged students to consider completing more than one program when appropriate. Looking back on his time at CNA, Alcock said it offers more than academic training.
“If you’re feeling lost and aren’t sure what you want to do with your life… life isn’t a race, and everyone’s journey is a little different. If you’re looking to grow, build your skills, and prepare for a career, CNA can be the place that feels like home.”
