My name is Jacob Gargan and I’m 17. I love it here in Ottawa. During my time with the Next program, we went to the beach and I loved it even though it was hot and crowded. I have also had the chance to gain more experience in carpentry which has been fun. We also got the chance give a presentation to the Jaku Konbit Summer Camp where I showed the stick I made for “stick pull”. I sang a prayer song for the kids which was scary and fun at the same time. We played dene games and Inuit games and I had the best time while I was there with kids and showing them the game “stick pull”.

We also went camping at Fitzroy Provincial Park. I have had good and bad days. I haven’t showed my bad days because I think that it might affect people, so I put a smile on my face and make it through the day which I’m proud of. When we were at the Provincial park, we went to a ceremony where I met fantastic people and learned about their jobs which was really interesting for me. I also met a guy who hoop dances and he showed us how to hoop dance with 2 hoops. It was great and I loved the food they made for us.

I love being here at Algonquin College and I hope to live or go to school here one day. I hope to keep getting to know the other participants, and reunite with them in the future.