“Home isn’t always a place you’ve lived—sometimes it’s a place where people make you feel like you belong.”

When I left Tuktoyaktuk, I knew I was about to experience something completely different, but I never imagined how quickly Hamilton, Ontario would start to feel like a second home.

The moment that will stay with me forever happened the day we arrived. As soon as we met our host mom, she couldn’t stop smiling. She kept taking pictures of us, giving us hugs, and telling us how happy she was that we were finally here. Seeing her eyes fill with tears made me realize just how excited she was to welcome us into her family. That moment instantly made me feel comfortable, and I’ll never forget it.

Since then, we’ve been making memories every day. We’ve gone shopping, visited the zoo, spent a day at a carnival, gone to a concert, cheered at a football game, worked out at the gym, gone out to eat, and even had an awesome pool party. Every day has been a new adventure, and there has always been something exciting to look forward to. It’s amazing how much we’ve been able to experience in such a short amount of time.

One of my favourite parts of this experience has been trying foods I’d never eaten before. I finally tried asparagus, ramen, and jamaican food. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m glad I stepped outside my comfort zone because I ended up enjoying all of them.

Hamilton is so different from Tuktoyaktuk. The traffic, the number of people, the variety of restaurants, and all the places to explore are completely different from what I’m used to. Even the time difference took some getting used to! At first it felt overwhelming, but now I find myself appreciating how much there is to see and do.

This trip has taught me that sometimes the best experiences happen when you’re willing to try something new. I’ve learned more than I expected—not just about Ontario, but about myself. I’ve become more confident, more open to new experiences, and more grateful for the opportunity to meet incredible people.

If you’re thinking about joining Northern Youth Abroad one day, my advice is simple: say yes. You never know where the experience will take you or the people you’ll meet along the way. I came here expecting to learn about a new place, but I’m leaving with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a second family I’ll always be thankful for.