News Archives: Alvin Salas: Making a Change
Monday, July 10th, 2023
NWP Student Alvin Salas
With the help of a little fatherly advice, Alvin Salas life has changed significantly over that last few years.
Salas had been living in the Philippines for eight years, putting his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree to work in the corporate sector, but something was missing.
That’s when his dad, who is happily living in Fairview, encouraged him to make a move he wouldn’t regret.
In August 2022, Salas relocated thousands of kilometers to Grande Prairie and enrolled in NWP’s Computer Systems Technology certificate program. According to Salas, the plan to move to Canada wasn’t just an opportunity to challenge himself academically, he wanted a chance to grow socially and culturally.
“English is not my first language, and I wasn’t familiar with Canadian culture or customs,” said Salas. “Moving to Grande Prairie and attending NWP broadened my horizons.”
Attending classes at NWP allowed Salas to learn beyond the scope of the syllabus. He developed language skills, lifelong friendships, and an appreciation for quirky Canadian culture. Being surrounded by supportive and enthusiastic staff, like NWP’s International Student Liaisons, inspired him to dive into his studies with confidence.
“Information technology was booming when I first joined the field,” said Salas. “I was already interested in computers and how websites work so it felt like a great fit.” Returning to school to learn new skills also made sense, given the rapid pace of technology advancement and the digital age.
As a mature student, Salas approached his studies with a different lens. When he completed his initial degree, he was fresh out of a high school and more focused on having fun and spending time with friends. This time around, Salas was more serious about finding a rewarding career that aligned with his education and interests, rather than just a job to fill the time.
He hit the ground running and graduated in June 2023 but his journey at NWP didn’t end there. Salas will start a Computer Systems Technology diploma program in the fall.
“The staff and faculty at NWP are so helpful and welcoming, I didn’t hesitate to enroll in another year,” said Salas. “I can’t wait to come back.”
Returning to school is not just about the certification at the end; it is about the experience of learning and growing as a person.
If you’re programmed for success visit NWP.me/Science to learn more about the Computer Technology certificate, diploma and degree programs available at NWP.
