My CBU Story: Noah Matthews-Cremo
Membertou鈥檚 Noah Matthews-Cremo, one of Cape Breton University鈥檚 most recent graduates, always knew he would pursue a path focused on giving back to his 福利免费在线看. 鈥淚 was raised to respect and take care of our elders. They hold the knowledge of our ancestors and have taken care of our people,鈥� says Noah. 鈥淲hen thinking of a career where I could help my elders, nursing immediately popped out at me.鈥�
After deciding to pursue a career in healthcare, Noah was left with the decision of where to complete his studies, and with the help of his family and friends, he chose CBU. 鈥淢y mother and other alumni told me about Unama鈥檏i college, a place where L鈥檔u could be L鈥檔u in an academic setting,鈥� he says. 鈥淐BU being in the L鈥檔u district of Unama鈥檏i gave me an opportunity to pursue my degree while having a place where I could speak my language and practice my culture.鈥�
During his time in the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program, Noah loved the hands-on learning approach during his labs and clinicals but says Powerpoint presentations and relating personally to certain content didn鈥檛 come naturally to him. Thankfully, by implementing the L鈥檔u philosophy of Two-Eyed Seeing and incorporating his language and customs into his presentations, he was able to overcome these challenges. Noah says this is something that sets CBU apart from other universities.聽
Noah says he can remember the exact moment he knew nursing was his calling. During one of his clinical placements, he was caring for an elder and when their time was coming to an end, he was able to pray and sing for them in the L鈥檔u language which helped ease the process for the patient and their loved ones.
鈥淏eing an L鈥檔u nurse taking care of L鈥檔u patients is the best feeling ever. The sigh of relief I witness from the patient when I introduce myself in our shared language lets me know I am in the right place,鈥� Noah says. 鈥淲atching L鈥檔u patients lower their guard knowing that in a building full of strangers and weird noises, someone like them is here to support them with understanding and respect gives me all the fulfillment I need.鈥�
Now working at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Noah has become the first male nurse from Membertou who was born, raised and still lives in the 福利免费在线看. He says it is a full circle moment as his great aunt Pelonik (Veronica) Matthews was the first nurse from Membertou.聽 Growing up and watching nurses from Membertou take care of their 福利免费在线看 members and work to address racial injustices in the healthcare system inspired Noah to follow in their footsteps. Now, he is looking forward to becoming part of continued solutions and giving back to the 福利免费在线看 that raised him.聽
Noah says he is grateful to his family, 福利免费在线看 and the staff at Unama鈥檏i College for their support throughout his education. To those considering coming to CBU, he encourages them to apply. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e looking for a supportive group of educators who are passionate about your success, you鈥檙e in the right place,鈥� he says. 鈥淐BU gave me the skills and knowledge to work as a safe and competent nurse by ensuring these skills were embedded in my practice before entering the workforce.鈥澛�
Congratulations to Noah and the entire Fall graduating class of 2024!