If there was one piece of advice Robert Greeley could offer to students pursuing their dreams, it would be, “if an opportunity seems nerve-racking and scary, you should probably do it!”
Originally from Clarenville, Robert is a graduate of CNA’s Comprehensive Arts & Science (CAS) Transition program. Students who enroll in the program are generally looking to improve their employability skills or increase their academic standing to enter a post-secondary program of their choice.
“Growing up I dreamed of pursuing broadcast sports journalism as a career. However, with my high school grades, I was on the wait list at all the places I applied and I really was not too keen on the idea of travelling outside Canada. The CAS program just seemed to be a great fit, plus it meant spending a year close to home and getting the grades I needed.”
It wasn’t easy – with every new challenge he had to adapt and focus to achieve his goals.
“I had a network of friends around me, which gave me the comfort zone I needed to excel. One particular instructor, Trent White, made math so much easier than I remember in high school. He really helped ease my stress during the first semester. Today, looking back I think it was one of the best career decisions I ever made.”
Living in Ottawa
After graduating from CNA, Robert selected to study communications. Currently, he is enrolled at the University of Ottawa studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication.
He says moving away and embracing life in Ottawa seems surreal today, but it has been an adventure in many ways.
“Moving to Ottawa has brought me out of my comfort zone for sure. I am very blessed to have met some amazing people who have accepted me as one of their own, which further helped ease the transition to living in Ottawa, especially coming from a small town like Clarenville.”
“I miss my family; with that said a lot of my peers and instructors have become family. I have transitioned from being a stranger to calling Ottawa home.”
Volunteer Experiences
In high school he was involved in a lot of extra-curricular activities, however sharing his experiences in the Business Case Competition and Enactus he says it was nothing like he had ever done in the past.
“Some of the best memories at CNA were the interactions I had with my peers and mentors. Participating in the Business Case Competition was really overwhelming, but one of the first learning experiences I had, and by far the best.
“Being a part of the Enactus group has helped me to get so many new talents and cultivate confidence to transform into who I am now.”
Achieving Success
Along with participating in extra-curricular activities, Robert has continued his passion for writing since high school.
“Since my high school days I have been very keen on writing, some of work published in The Packet.” (A community newspaper, based in Clarenville, NL, covers more than 90 communities in Trinity, Bonavista and Placentia Bays).
Along with writing for a community newspaper, Robert has taken on several communications roles. He is currently the Content Creator, Communications Specialist, and Fan Experience Leader for the University of Ottawa’s varsity football team.
“I am really proud to be a part of University of Ottawa’s athletic program. In the back of my mind I always tell myself, “Yes, I am another step closer to becoming a broadcast sports journalist,” he says.
“My eventual goal after graduating from the University of Ottawa next year is to seek employment. My advice to all students is, reach out and grab whatever help you can on your journey toward your dream career. Career services, trainings, courses, networking, internships, and volunteer experiences can really expand your horizons and prepare you for the change you want to make.”
