Martina Padilla Paz, Business Administration Accounting graduate 2024 

Choosing a program and a CEGEP can be daunting, but Martina Padilla Paz, who enjoys leading and organizing, spoke to her high school guidance counsellor, and wanting to study something practical, chose Accounting, at Vanier.   

 Why Vanier? 

“All my high school friends went elsewhere, but I wanted to start fresh and make new friends. I knew Vanier had a great reputation academically but also had a great student life.  There is always something going on. And there are all kinds of clubs you can join.”  

“There are also opportunities through your program.  I volunteered at the Scotiabank Vanier National Marketing Competition...participants from colleges all over Canada come to Montreal for a weekend case competition. I met so many students, teachers and business people, and I now have connections with people from across the country.” 

What did you like about the Accounting program? 

“Accounting is a 3-year program, so you’re with the same people throughout CEGEP. It’s like a family.  In career programs, teachers get to know you and also become friends. You can talk to them about life.” 

 An internship in Namibia

One of the highlights of Martina’s time at Vanier was doing a month-long internship at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. “It was life-changing.  Part of the morning we looked after the animals.  We fed them, cleaned their pens, or milked the goats.  We also made cheese in the creamery and did some gardening.” 

“Then, from 10 am onwards, we worked in the office.  We did accounting, payroll and data entry, and built a customized database to digitize all the CCF employee files.  We also improved the marketing of the CCF goat soap. When we came back to Vanier, we helped lay out a plan for next year’s students.” 

 “Namibia was an amazing opportunity. I grew and learned about myself. This experience taught me that each of us holds the potential to achieve what seems impossible. Coming from a small town in Argentina, it feels surreal to say that because of my hard work, I was able to pursue an internship in Africa.” 

 Being valedictorian

“I grew up with a saying my mother often repeated whenever I felt overwhelmed or stressed: ‘Start with the necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you’ll find yourself doing the impossible.’ When I was chosen as Valedictorian, I felt I had achieved the impossible. My parents came to Canada with nothing to start a new life here. They supported me throughout my studies.  Being Valedictorian was a very special honour!  I was so proud.  For me and for them!” 

Future plans

Martina is now at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University working on a Bachelor of Commerce in Management.  “I plan to do my CPA and eventually I’d like to come back to teach at Vanier.  I had such a good experience here.  That’s how much fun it was!”