Hello my name is Millie-Anna Aaruaq. I am from Baker Lake Nunavut, Baker Lakes population is just under 2,500 people. I am here in Windsor Ontario with a population of 422, 630 people, that is a lot of people but I am here because of the the Northern Youth Abroad program, I was lucky enough to get selected as an alternate last year and got a chance to go this year.

I was placed in Windsor Ontario for this summer and oh boy do I love it. Windsor is by the border to the US, so I got to see Detroit that is across the river. What I love most about Windsor is where my host parents live, they live near a golf course so when the sunset comes I just sit in the backyard and watch it. There are many places to see here in Windsor and I’m not done exploring the city.

My job placement is at the downtown Windsor Community collaborative (DWCC) and I love it! I work in the Good Hood kitchen for 3 hours then I work with the summer camp with kids for 4 hours. I love this placement because I am indoors and outdoors, my co-workers from both the kitchen and the camp are awesome, my favourite part of the job is working with the kids.

My placement buddies name is Edie and she is from Behchoko NT. Edie and I get along very well, we joke around a lot and tease each other. I realize when she not around that I get bored and miss her, We have some things in common.

My host parents are amazing!!! They would do anything for Edie and I. They have taken us to Niagara Falls the first weekend with them, I loved every moment there. They provide so many wonderful things for us and I love them so very much, it’s home away from home when I am with them.

This experience is beyond words! I am so grateful to be here, there are so many things that are available to me here in Windsor. I’ve been swimming, I’ve been to point Pelee which is the most southern part of Canada, I’ve been to many new restaurants, tried a lot of new foods and many more to explore while I’m here.

If you are looking for a life changing experience then I would highly recommend this program! NYA is all about what you can see and do in your life, I was so nervous to come and be away from home for this long but there are wonderful staff and great people to help you get through this. It may seem like a long time but trust me it’s not long enough for me, NYA helped me find the person I want to be in the future. NYA has helped me step out of my comfort zone and live my life without being nervous or scared about anything.