My name is Juliana Irqittuq and I am from Sanirajak Nunavut. Sanirajak is a small town in Nunavut with approximately 900 people. I am participating in the NYA 2024 Canadian program.  I applied back in 2023 and got accepted as an alternate, but I didn’t get a placement in my first year. I did all my winter assignments, and I am now a part of the 2024 Canadian program. 

                  This summer I was placed in Orléans Ontario, which is outside of Ottawa. I think Orléans is such a beautiful little city. I am considering on going here for university. I am volunteering at Chapel Hill retirement residence and I am loving it. I love talking with the elders and doing activities with them such as dance parties, playing card games with them. Going on walks with them. Etc..

My placement buddy is Angelina Netser from Coral Harbour, we are so similar it’s crazy. We often go out to shop or just explore the city. We are often laughing a lot and making lots of funny memories together, my favourite memory with her is when she said she used to be obsessed with Vinnie Hacker and I said “huh? Kisu? (What) vinegar?”. We also went to go watch fireworks downtown on Canada day. I am so thankful for all the help and support I got from my teacher and mentor, Steve, and my best friend Ben. I wouldn’t have made it here without their support.

                  Orientation week was so much fun! NYA did a great job getting us all settled in and comfortable with our new surroundings. We went swimming, and did so many assignments. We even went to Parliament Hill to learn about the government. I learned a lot about how our government works. 

                  My host family is amazing! I feel very welcome in their house, and I share a room with my placement buddy, who is quickly becoming one of my best friends! Honestly, I don’t think I could have completed the summer program without my host family and my buddy. My first few days on my work placement were hard, but I always knew that, at the end of the day, I would be going home to recharge with supportive friends.  

                  My experiences with NYA so far have really helped me appreciate how much hard work it is going to take to become a doctor someday. When you try new things, meet new people and visit new places, there are going to be challenges around every corner. However, my experiences so far have prepared me to better cope with these challenges and to manage the stress and anxiety I encounter when I leave my comfort zone. 

                  I highly recommend the NYA program to any northern youth who want to go to university or become a professional. Transitioning from life in a remote community to a city center can be stressful in lots of ways, but NYA offers a way for youths to do this in a controlled and supportive way. I feel like I have learned and grown so much during my time here, even though it’s only been a few weeks! NYA has been a truly transformative experience. I have gained valuable skills and expanded my horizons in ways that would not be possible otherwise.

                  For youths from remote communities, NYA provides a unique chance to explore new environments, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and learn about different cultures. This exposure fosters a deeper understanding of the world and oneself, helping to build empathy and resilience. The program’s focus on leadership development and community engagement equips you with practical skills and experiences that are highly valuable both personally and professionally. Whether through volunteer work, skill-building workshops, or cultural exchanges, NYA encourages participants to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and discover their potential.

                  Overall, NYA isn’t just about learning new things; it’s about personal transformation, building lifelong connections, and becoming a more confident and capable individual. It’s a testament to the power of experiential learning and the positive impact it can have on young people in remote communities.

Thank you for reading.