Hi! My name is Keisha Harris, and I’m 19 years old. I’m originally from Fort Good Hope but grew up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. I’m currently participating in the Northern Youth Abroad program and living in Ottawa for the summer. This is my first time being so far from home, and it’s been such a powerful and eye-opening experience so far. I’m passionate about learning, growing, and staying connected to my culture, and I wanted to share a little bit about my journey here.
It’s been such a surreal and exciting experience being in Ottawa with the Northern Youth Abroad program. I can honestly say that this journey is teaching me a great deal, not just about the world, but also about myself. Coming from the North, being in a big city like Ottawa feels like stepping into a whole different world. There’s always something new happening here, whether it’s walking downtown, exploring the city, or even just catching a city bus (which is still something I’m getting used to!).
It’s been such a cool mix of learning, growth, and creating memories that I know I’ll carry with me forever. One of the highlights for me so far has been connecting with the other NYA participants. We all come from different places and backgrounds, but somehow we’ve built this little family. We’ve had a lot of laughs, shared stories, and supported each other when we needed it. That sense of belonging has meant so much. We also had the opportunity to try new techniques, such as MIG and stick welding, during the first week. I had taken welding in ninth grade, and honestly, I didn’t like it much then. But giving it another try here made me realize how much I’ve changed and grown. I actually had a lot of fun this time around!
This program isn’t just about learning skills, it’s about learning who you are. It’s helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more confident, independent, and open. I’m slowly learning how to express myself better, meet new people, and take on challenges, even when they seem intimidating at first. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and I feel truly proud to be part of a program that uplifts Northern youth and gives us the chance to experience something entirely new. This trip is showing me how much I’m capable of, and it’s also helping me stay connected to my roots while stepping into new spaces. There’s still more to come, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this journey takes me.
-Keisha Harris
