Hi I’m Diana Williah and my experience so far being a part of the NYA Next Program has given me an insight of how the “college life” is. From getting to class on time, to navigating my way around on a bus in a new city, and setting my own bedtime! In the short two weeks that I’ve been here in Ottawa, I have finished orientation at the Macskimming Campgrounds while the heatwave was going on. I can definitely say that was an accomplishment of mine! It was also great to bond with the other other 15 participants in the program. During this time, we got to know each other a bit more. Even though I knew half the participants from the Canadian phase last year, it’s still always nice getting to know new people, which is a plus.

This week, we started our construction class which will last for another two weeks. We built a picture frame; and I’m glad to say that I was one of the first students to finish it. Next week we will be building a dog house. What a cherry on top! We also had the opportunity to do a presentation in front of other people which we did yesterday in front of a bunch of 6 to 12 year olds. We have to do three in total and I think we did pretty well in our first one. Overall, my experience so far has made me excited to attend college when I’m ready. Hopefully by the end of this program, I will be shaped into a more prepared college student. Having more experience in the city will help me transition better into moving away from my family and home.