By Minal Abhange
The course of one’s life can only be premeditated by a determined individual – this reality is embodied by Melanie Frampton, a CNA Business Administration graduate.
“Of all the concepts students are exposed to during their education, the one that may be most important – that can’t be learned from a textbook, especially as a mature learner – is balance. Juggling family and education, while still finding time to enjoy life. I was fortunate to have met amazing peers and instructors who have been extremely supportive.”
A native of Gin Cove (a small community about 25 minutes from Clarenville), Melanie and full time mother of three small children, grew up with her grandparents.
“The way I remember it, growing up in a very small community, there were about 15 full-time residents. The area was quiet and quaint. Because I grew up in a small town, my priorities lay with family and friends.”
The eldest of three siblings, Melanie describes herself as a “rather quiet child” growing up. She was involved with Air Cadets in high school, which became the foundation for her love of flight.
“Joining Air Cadets in high school gave me an initial motivation to obtain my pilot’s license; however, I moved to Codroy Valley and things changed. I eventually applied to the Atlantic Flight Attendant Academy in Halifax, N.S. where I studied procedures, protocol, and French immersion to work with Provincial Airlines – my dream job – as a flight attendant.”
She started her career with Provincial Airlines in 2005, but soon found herself expanding her resume by holding several positions, including Human Resources Co-ordinator with the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Justice, as well as a Help Desk Agent with the Department of Community and Government Services. From there she ventured into business administration roles – as the most recent being an Assistant Program Co-ordinator with Hollett & Sons Inc. in Clarenville.
“In my current position, I work closely with my mentor Susan Hollett to create reports, logistics and promotion of WinSETT Center Leadership Programs, as well as plan, facilitate, evaluate and research for businesses.”
For as long as she can remember, her inspiration for going back to school two years ago, was her interest in business.
“I worked in varying job roles; however, they have all centred around one core element – business. This made my program choice easier, as I knew I enjoyed working in Human Resources, which further persuaded me to select accounting. All the jobs I worked gave me well-rounded skills in all aspects of business and increased my employability.”
Melanie was nervous with excitement and mixed feelings to attend college as a mature student. Among her concerns were paying for tuition, being older than her peers, and whether she chose the right program. But in the end it didn’t matter, she was eager to learn something new.
“Choosing to attend college 10 years after graduating high school was a huge, scary step. It is a big risk to take when you have a family at home to worry about,” she says. “At the time it was terrifying, but now looking back it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Apart from being a “supermom” and an accomplished student, Melanie led the Clarenville Enactus team as its president. (Enactus is the world’s largest experiential learning platform, empowering a community of student, academic, and business leaders)
“I love everything Enactus stands for and it has been an amazing experience. It has indeed been the most empowering opportunity, as a student to work on projects to make a difference in the community. The skills I gained through Enactus could never be taught in a classroom and are most valuable in my career path.”
Among her other accolades, she brought home the John Dobson Founder’s Bursary valued at $2,000 from the 2018 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario this past May.
Now she is looking forward to building on her achievements.
“I am looking forward to September, when I go back to finish the Bachelor of Business Administration program (at Memorial University). After that the opportunities are endless, as I will then have my three children in school, freeing up a little of my day. “
She has some words of wisdom for other mature students who may be considering heading back to school – just go for it!
“Never count yourself out of the running, and don’t be afraid to get involved. I would strongly recommend any future students to consider coming back to school even if it may seem a little scary in beginning. My expectations have been exceeded, and I am thankful for the knowledgeable instructors I have had along the way.”
To find out more about the Business Administration programs at CNA, visit www.cna.nl.ca
