CNA student soars to new heights with award
One College of the North Atlantic (CNA) student is blazing a trail for the next generation of female aviators.
Tanisha Galway, an aircraft maintenance engineering technician (AMET) student at CNA’s Gander campus, was recently awarded the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship for 2022 by Air Canada. Galway is the first student in that program to win the award.
“When I found out I won I was flabbergasted. I was fully speechless. I truly couldn’t believe that I won something so significant to the aviation industry. And to be named the first AMET student to receive this award is astounding,” Galway said in a news release.
Graduating in June, Galway says the $5,000 prize will be put to good use.
“Winning this award means that I am financially stable and I can put this money toward something needed, such as student debt,” she said.
The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship is open to Canadian
women who are enrolled in an aviation flight program at a college, university or flight school or an aircraft repair and maintenance program anywhere in Canada.
The scholarship is administered by the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, which celebrates Canadian women in aviation. The award is named for the first-ever female pilot hired by Air Canada.
Galway says her interest in aviation started at a young age.
“I’ve wanted to pursue this line of work since I was around 14 years old. I was an air cadet in my teenage years and it’s a dream come true to be a part of an amazing college.”
When she is not in school, Galway is an active volunteer. She is currently the student council president at Gander campus, president of the student union, CNA representative for the Federation of Students NL and a representative for students with disabilities.
“I am an advocate for students near and far and ensure everyone’s voices are heard,” she said, adding her roles mean she listens to concerns and suggestions and tries to implement changes.
EDUCATION CAN BE FUN
Galway says her time at CNA has been a pleasure.
“My time at CNA has been fun, academically challenging, as well as inclusive. CNA truly is a safe place to go to get an education.”
The award-winning student says she has made some great friends along the way.
“I’ve met many likeminded people through my time here and I will truly miss the experiences I’ve had over the past two years,” said Galway.
Despite her accolades, she said it takes a lot of hard work to succeed.
“I would recommend this program to anyone who likes working with their hands and loves a good challenge,” she said.
Originally from St. John’s, N.L., Galway says she hopes to return to CNA one day.
“My plan for the future is to attend the Institute of Technology-Carlow in Ireland in the fall to pursue my bachelor of engineering in aircraft systems.
“After graduating from there, I will be pursuing my career to hopefully, one day, come back to CNA as an instructor.”
For more information about AMET or other
CNA programs, visit www.cna.nl.ca.