Hello everyone, my name is Asta Taptuna and I am from Kugluktuk, NU. This is my blog and I’ll be talking about my trip so far with Northern Youth Abroad. 

When I first found out I was going on this NYA trip, I honestly didn’t think much of it. I saw it as just another program, another trip, another thing to cross off my list. I figured it would be something to keep me busy for a little while before I went back to my normal life. I never imagined that something I almost underestimated would end up changing the way I see myself, the people around me, and life as a whole.

If someone had asked me before I left how I thought this experience would go, I probably would have shrugged and said, “It’ll be okay.” Looking back now, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The biggest surprise wasn’t the activities or the places we’ve been. It was the people.

I’ve met some of the kindest, most supportive, and most genuine people I’ve ever known. Before coming here, I assumed everyone would stick to themselves or that it would be hard to make real connections. Instead, I found a group of people who encourage one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and help each other through the hard days. Whether it’s laughing together during activities, checking in on someone who’s having a rough day, or simply sitting together at the end of a long day, these little moments have become some of my favorite memories.

The staff have also been incredible. They don’t just supervise us. They care. They listen, they encourage us to push ourselves, and they remind us that it’s okay to struggle. They’ve helped create an environment where everyone feels welcome, accepted, and valued.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth rarely happens when you’re comfortable.

I thought the hardest part of this program would be the activities, the schedule, or stepping outside my comfort zone physically. None of those came close to the real challenge.

Homesickness has been, without a doubt, the hardest part of this experience.

No one can really prepare you for what it feels like to be away from the people, places, and routines you’ve known your whole life. There are moments when everything reminds you of home. Sometimes it’s something as simple as hearing a song, eating a certain meal, or lying in bed at night with too much time to think. Those moments can feel overwhelming.

There were days when all I wanted was to hug my family, sleep in my own bed, or just be somewhere familiar. Missing home isn’t something you can simply “get over.” It’s something you learn to live with one day at a time.

As difficult as homesickness has been, it’s also taught me something important.

It showed me just how much I appreciate the people waiting for me back home. It reminded me not to take the little things for granted, because sometimes it’s the everyday moments that end up meaning the most.

But it also showed me something else.

It showed me that I’m stronger than I thought.

Every day that I wake up, choose to stay positive, and keep going despite missing home is proof that I can handle more than I give myself credit for. I’ve learned that courage isn’t about never feeling scared or sad. Sometimes courage is simply getting out of bed, showing up, and making the most of the day even when your heart is somewhere else.

This trip has also changed the way I look at other people.

Before coming here, I think I judged situations too quickly. I assumed I knew how people would act or what experiences would be like before giving them a real chance. This program has reminded me that first impressions don’t tell the whole story. Some of the people I barely knew at the beginning have become people I genuinely care about. Complete strangers have turned into friends I’ll always remember.

I’ve learned that everyone is carrying something you can’t see. Some people miss home just as much as I do. Some are dealing with challenges they never talk about. Yet every day they continue showing up with kindness and compassion for others.

That has inspired me.

I’ve also learned to appreciate the little things more than ever before.

A conversation that makes you laugh until your stomach hurts.

A beautiful sunset after a long day.

A supportive teammate cheering you on.

Sharing stories before bed.

The feeling of accomplishing something you didn’t think you could do.

These moments seem small, but together they’ve created memories I’ll carry with me long after this trip is over.

I think one of the greatest gifts this experience has given me is perspective.

Life isn’t just about staying where you’re comfortable. Sometimes you have to leave everything familiar behind to discover who you really are. Growth is uncomfortable. It’s emotional. It’s exhausting. But it’s worth it.

If I had stayed home, I never would have met these amazing people. I never would have learned how resilient I can be. I never would have realized how much I value connection, kindness, and simply being present.

As much as I’ve struggled with homesickness, I know it’s part of my story now. It’s a reminder that I love deeply, that I have people worth missing, and that even while my heart is split between home and this experience, I’m still growing every single day.

I came into this program expecting very little.

I’m leaving with memories I’ll never forget.

I’m leaving with friendships I never expected.

I’m leaving with more confidence than I arrived with.

Most importantly, I’m leaving as a different person.

This trip didn’t just teach me new skills or give me something to put on a résumé. It changed the way I see life. It taught me that stepping into the unknown can lead to the most meaningful experiences. It reminded me that kindness still exists everywhere if you’re willing to notice it. It showed me that the people around you can become your biggest source of strength, even if they started as strangers.

This experience has been far from easy. There have been tears, moments of doubt, and days when I wished I could be home. But there has also been laughter, encouragement, unforgettable memories, and personal growth that I never expected.

If I could go back to the day I left for this trip, I’d tell myself not to underestimate what was ahead.

Because what I thought would be “just another trip” became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Sometimes the experiences we expect the least from end up teaching us the most.

And for that, I’ll always be grateful.