Hi, my name is Blaire Nakoolak. I am 21 years old and I am from Coral Harbour, Nunavut. This summer, I travelled to Ottawa to participate in Northern Youth Abroad to gain more experience

I have been in Stittsville with my placement buddy named Verna Kalluk and my host family Christine and Jon Maxwell with their kids Sadie, Everlee and Poppy. I am glad I was able to be with them while staying in Ottawa for orientation. I got to go to Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park and Funhaven to play games, which was fun

This is my first time away from home without any of my family members and this is the furthest I travelled far away from home. I am so homesick and I am starting to feel the effects of it but I am trying to keep myself busy so I won’t be in my room all day. I wish I was home right now to be with my family and my grandma. I am missing my parents, nephew, siblings and grandma so much.

I work at a place called Pottery Playhouse. I assist the supervisor by working with the kids, helping them with anything they need. I also go to the park with the kids and supervisor. There is another staff, her name is Rebecca. She also helps with the kids in the afternoon