From Newfoundland to Nova Scotia: Meet Brooke Williams

Brooke Williams thought her education journey was complete when she graduated from the Mental Health and Addictions program at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) in June 2025. She had met incredible people, completed two work terms and gained confidence in her abilities, but as convocation approached, something didn’t feel right. She wasn’t ready for her studies to be over just yet.

Then came an email that changed everything. CNA and CBU had established an articulation agreement for the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree, meaning Brooke could transfer her credits and enter second year at Cape Breton University. For the psychology major from Peterview, Newfoundland, the decision was immediate.

“As soon as I received this email there was really no doubt in my mind. I knew that I was going to attend Cape Breton University,” Brooke says. “My boyfriend Noah and I applied to the program, got accepted and then made our plans to move to Nova Scotia.”

A Smooth Transition

The move from Newfoundland to Cape Breton could have been daunting, but Brooke found the application process straightforward and the faculty incredibly supportive. Her academic advisor, Dr. Colin McLaren, helped make the transition smooth, ensuring she was well-informed and her degree planning felt manageable.

Now in her second semester at CBU, Brooke has found exactly what she was looking for as the psychology classes connect her mental health background with deeper theoretical understanding. In her fall semester, Dr. Rebecca Blackie’s Foundations of Psychopathology course expanded on Brooke’s prior knowledge, while this semester she’s taking Child Development with Dr. McLennon Wilson and has also worked with Dr. Éric Thériault throughout both terms.

“I know when I sign up for one of Eric’s classes, I am guaranteed high quality education and a welcoming atmosphere,” Brooke says. “He’s been an immense help throughout my degree so far.”

Support Every Step of the Way

Brooke’s  journey from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia wasn’t made alone. Her partner Noah has been there every step of the way, pursuing the same degree and providing unwavering support.

“I’d like to thank him for pushing me outside of my comfort zone,” Brooke says. “He believes in me and he makes that very known.”

What’s Next

For Brooke, the BACS degree is a stepping stone toward something bigger as she plans to apply to CBU’s Social Work program following graduation. “I would absolutely love to be in this helping profession,” she says. For anyone considering a similar leap, Brooke’s advice is clear. “Don’t be afraid to take the jump, even if it means moving provinces like I did,” she says. “Once you get to CBU, you’ll have an army of people who want to see you succeed. It’s a warm atmosphere with the best staff members.”

What started as uncertainty at the end of one program has become confidence in the middle of another. Brooke found her path forward, and it led straight to Cape Breton.

Interested in transferring to CBU? Learn more about transfer credit opportunities and articulation agreements at cbu.ca/transfer