Cool Grads: Fall Convocation 2011
Just over three years ago Nathan Greener was living in Italy, working as a missionary.
Today he's working in the Communications Department at Savanna Energy Services Corp. as a multimedia specialist, responsible for video content.
Somewhere between Italy and Calgary, he moved across the world and got married. Now he is graduating from Mount Royal University's two-year Broadcasting diploma program.
| Cool Grad: Nathan Greener Program: Broadcasting Diploma (Two-year) Age: 24 Highlights: Managing the campus radio station and overseeing its recent name change. Founder: N8 Video Productions |
"Nathan is best described as someone you could always rely on to go above and beyond when asked to do an assignment or extracurricular task," says Broadcasting Chair Irv Ratushniak.
Looking back at the last three years, Greener admits he couldn't have scripted life better.
"When you're in the moment it can be tough making big decisions and I can get stressed out really easily," he says.
"But when I look back at how everything's come together, I realize how blessed I've been."
Greener grew up running around the streets of Northern England with a camcorder in his hand, writing, acting and filming his own productions. When he arrived at Mount Royal and began working with our professionally experienced faculty, he felt at home.
"I spent a lot of my time figuring out where I could fit in in that world. I asked a lot of questions and worked very hard to see how each aspect of the program could translate to a career.
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| Nathan Greener |
"I approached it all very seriously. But the TV year was particularly special. All those feelings came flooding back from when I was younger, running around with a camera and a script."
Greener didn't come here looking to find himself. He needed to find out how he could make a living doing something he enjoyed.
He credits his professors with helping him figure that out.
"They were really engaged and the more effort I put in, the more they gave. They always talked about the future and real life situations."
Greener is ecstatic about his new job, and he looks forward to working on his production company (N8 Video Productions).
"The reason most people come to Mount Royal is so they can find a way to make a living doing something they love. It's a wonderful place for that."
- Steven Noble, Nov. 4, 2011
She just wasn't sure how to accomplish that goal. Lu, who already holds a bachelor's degree in science from Nanjing Institute of Meteorology in China, decided to start with a clean slate and began by upgrading courses at Mount Royal, hoping to improve her English language skills. She then entered the two-year Environmental Science Certificate program, but after a bit of soul searching transferred into a full bachelor degree program majoring in Environmental Sciences. Working towards a Bachelor of Science degree is challenging enough without having a language barrier to tackle. Lu says she owes a lot to her professors.
"They always push us forward," she says. "I gained lots of confidence … they were always there to help mewhen I needed it." If there was ever a doubt in Lu's mind whether it was the right decision to seek a BSc, she was reassured by the nurturing environment her professors created. "I know I chose the right program," she says confidently. Lu may be graduating today, but she has been working on contract for Millennium EMS Solutions doing exactly what she set out to do - testing air quality for a provincial weather centre - for the past ten months. Lu is proof positive that with the right drive and support, one can overcome challenges such as moving to a new country with a completely different culture to pursue one's passions. She hopes her fellow graduates and current students at Mount Royal see her example as an inspiration. "When you decide to do something, don't hesitate just go for it."
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