Hello, I am from Behchoko and my name is Ili Gon. I am 18 years old this year and the reason I joined the NYA NEXT program is to prepare for college, experience new things, and meet new people. Before going to Ottawa, where the NEXT NYA program was held, I was feeling nervous and had many thoughts.
‘Am I even able to go?’
‘Am I too late with my fundraising assignment?’
‘What if being somewhere else at the beginning of the program made me not able to go at all?’
Were some of the thoughts I had. Before leaving for Ottawa, I was somewhere else other than where I had intended for me to be picked up from, but it didn’t matter in the end as they easily accommodated for me just changing the location I left from.
When I met the group who were all going to Ottawa with the chaperones, I felt shy and nervous. I have been dealing with personal issues in maintaining relationships, and I had become somewhat of a hermit. However, those concerns did not matter in the end, as I was able to form friendships within a week.
So, imagine you’re an 18-year-old who’s used to being independent and doing your own thing. But now, you’re in a situation where you have to follow strict rules and have a buddy system. It’s not easy, right? You feel frustrated and upset sometimes because you want to be more independent. But you know that the rules are there for your safety and the safety of others. So, you try to adapt and make the best of it. You learn to let go of the negative emotions and just enjoy the moment. Some people might think that’s not a healthy way to deal with things, but it works for you.
It was exciting for me that the first fun activity here was a movie night, even though I was the only one who went. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to watch a scary movie, while everyone else went to the mall. I thought it was great that they provided options for everyone and still accommodated my desire to go to the movies, allowing everyone to do what they wanted. This was definitely the most enjoyable experience I’ve had since arriving here.
After that, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking knowledge and understanding of what would be beneficial for me if I were to reside in a new location on my own. This involved learning about the city’s transportation system, the proximity of grocery stores and other essential establishments, and the general layout of the area. However, it was not all about practical matters; we also engaged in enjoyable activities together. Among my favorites were an acting workshop, a group outing to the movies (which also had an arcade), and a particularly memorable trades class that proved to be the most entertaining of all.
I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to gain valuable skills and knowledge. You will learn about college life, navigate the city, and meet new friends who can guide you on your journey to becoming the most confident and capable version of yourself. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage in enjoyable activities that will contribute to your personal growth and create lasting memories with new friends and acquaintances.
