Hello everyone! My name is Kyrie, and I’m from Wha-Ti, NWT, a community of 700 people. I’m participating in the NYA Canadian program, which I joined thanks to my teachers’ encouragement and my parents’ guidance. With over 200 applicants and only 20 spots, I thought my chances were slim. I was on a drive to Yellowknife when I found out I had been accepted into the program. I was ecstatic, and it made my whole weekend! Where I then spent months volunteering, fundraising, and submitting assignments until June arrived. Exams were over, and I started packing the night before driving out to Yellowknife. A few days after meeting everyone, we flew to Calgary, to Ontario, and a bus ride later, we arrived at the campsite around 4 AM, with orientation starting at 11 AM.

But boy oh boy let me tell you something, orientation week was not for the weak and definitely tested me, with its bugs, endless hot days, damp nights and, the memories we made are absolutely golden. I was hesitant and unsure of the program at first, but I met so many people, learned about where they came from, and discovered their communities and interests, forming bonds that I know will last a lifetime while pushing through the hardships.

After orientation, our travel escort, Maureen, showed us a bit of Ontario before our flight to Winnipeg. Sydney and I even squeezed in a quick trip to Quebec! From Ontario, I flew to Winnipeg and was warmly greeted by my host family late at night. Settling in, I began to love Winnipeg, despite the initial shock of adjusting from a tiny community of 700 to a bustling city of 953,900 in just two weeks. I quickly learned to appreciate Winnipeg’s hidden gems, pretty scenery, fun activities, and new foods.

During our time in Winnipeg, my host family and I explored a lot: we went to a Métis festival for Indigenous Peoples Day, Wild Planet, Cob Bakery, and the Rock of Ages festival. I tried new foods, attended a powwow, and even fell in love with a tuxedo cat at a cat cafe.

Sydney and I packed our time in Winnipeg with adventure, exploring from sunup to sundown. We navigated the city by bus, discovered parks and fields, and indulged in new foods and treats. We even went to a carnival fair (where I may have thrown up!), and later visited The Forks after 10 PM for incredible views.

For my first two weeks, I was a zoo ambassador at Assiniboine Park Zoo, which was a blast! I learned the zoo inside and out, guided visitors, and discovered new lunch spots. Despite the brutal heat, volunteering there was my favorite experience but i knew it wasn’t for me. Then, I spent my last two weeks at Shaftesbury Senior Residence, and no, it’s not as boring or lame as it sounds as it was surprisingly fulfilling. I assisted with daily activities, helped in the dining room, organized the library, and getting to know the seniors, my co-workers, and other volunteers. But working with these seniors has taught me a lot: honesty, clear communication, a lot of patience, and to enjoy the little things. Seeing as my week is almost over, my heart feels heavy and overwhelmed as this volunteer experience felt like more than just helping out; it was a home away from my other home. It felt like a lived experience that I will never forget, as all these seniors will have a place in my heart for being such angels and really giving me the confidence to be myself and that I don’t need to hide behind closed doors.

Aside from the fun activities and my volunteer experience, we also got to know my host family, observing their daily life and having supper at 6 PM. Sometimes we helped by setting the table, making a dish, or putting things away. We spent time on the balcony reading, talking, having lunch, and coloring. I met Daisy, the host mom’s boyfriend’s cat, and we had movie fests where we’d binge-watch shows with sweet treats, go for drives, or just chill in general. On a serious note, my host family feels like a home away from home. They made me feel incredibly welcomed and cared for in a matter of minutes. Even though things were chaotic with their program ending and our program starting in the crossfire, they still gave us an awesome time, suggesting places to see and go, which we enjoyed immensely. We’re disheartened to leave but will definitely be back in the future.

And to my incredible placement buddy, Sydney! Her supportive nature and fun, punky personality made the whole experience unforgettable. With her awesome yet chic style, we explored everything we could in the south. In such a short time, we became close friends, especially with our deadly auntie laugh that filled every room whenever we joked around or shared funny stories. NYA did an amazing job pairing us; after we broke the ice, it felt like we had known each other for years.

So to anyone who is hesitant about joining next year’s program, please face those fears and sign up, I can reassure you that this program is worth it for the experience, traveling and I mean, it’ll save you from the college admission fees.