Ryan Castaneda, CPA, CGA
Birthplace & current city of residence: Manila,
the Philippines; Surrey, BC.
Employer & position: Currently pursuing a law
degree at the University of British Columbia’s
faculty of law; first-year law student.
What’s your favourite memory/moment of the
program? I really enjoyed the public speaking seminar. The sessions
were full of fun, laughter, and support for one another, and they
helped me greatly with my valedictorian speech.
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your
studies? I am very grateful for the incredible support and encouragement from my mother and my sister. I am also thankful to my employers for mentoring me and covering the costs of my CGA courses.
Above all, I want to thank God.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying? I like to read
classical literature, go running, and go cross-country skiing.
wendy Howell, CPA, CGA
Birthplace & current city of residence: Dundas,
ON; Kelowna, BC.
Employer & position: StarDyne Technologies
Inc.; accountant.
What’s your favourite memory/moment of the
program? I was in the Calgary airport at 3 a.m.
waiting for a connecting flight when I was finally able to check my mark
on my very last CGA course. I will never forget the excitement I felt
when I saw that “P” for Pass!
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your
studies? In addition to my family and friends, I am especially grateful
to my partner of 10 years, Colin Sutherland. He called himself a “CGA
widower” for years!
What’s next? Continuous improvement is my plan. I want to expand
my skills and experience both in my accounting position and through
various courses—ideally ones that don’t have an exam.
What do you like to do when you’re not working? I purchased a
house near the end of the CGA program, and my weekends will now be
spent enjoying home renovation and improvement projects. ()Q