Hey! My name is Preston Rabesca and I’m from a small fly-in community called Wekweeti Snare Lake, NWT.
When I first applied for the NYA Next program, I honestly didn’t think I would get accepted. I was very nervous about the interview because I didn’t want to mess up my chances of being selected. After the interview, knowing the release date for the participant list made the wait feel even longer. I spent almost every day counting down until the list was announced, hoping my name would be on it. When the list finally came out and I saw my name, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and accomplishment, it was such a rewarding moment, and I couldn’t wait to begin my journey with NYA.
Regardless of how nervous I was to apply, I’m incredibly grateful that I was accepted. This program has given me so many opportunities that not everyone gets to experience. I’ve explored different parts of Ottawa, visited Parliament, met the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty, and even attended my first two live sports events!! NYA has given me more opportunities than I ever could have imagined. But one of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been the people I’ve met along the way. The amazing NYA participants I’ve shared these experiences with have made this journey so special, and I’ll always and forever cherish the memories we created together. I’m going to miss everyone so much, and I will always be grateful to have been part of the NYA Next Program 2026.
NYA Next is unlike any other program I’ve ever been a part of. We’re always busy, whether it’s participating in trade workshops, doing volunteer work, exploring new places, or taking part in different activities. There is rarely a lot of time to slow down and relax, but that is also one of the things that makes this program so special. NYA’s mission of providing education through work and travel truly comes to life through every experience we have.
This program has definitely challenged me both physically and mentally. There were days when I was so physically exhausted that I didn’t want to get up or do anything because of how tired I felt. There were also days where I felt completely emotionally drained, where simply getting through the day took everything I had. What made those moments difficult was that many people around me didn’t realize I was struggling, because I had become so used to pretending that I was okay.
One of the hardest parts of NYA Next was learning how to stay mentally and emotionally strong while being away from home and trying new things, being social, making connections, and adjusting to such a busy schedule. There were moments where I felt guilty for even struggling at all. I had questioned why I was having a hard time making connections, being social, or coping with the challenges of the program, when I knew I was surrounded by so many amazing people and opportunities. There were days where I wanted to drop everything, step away, and not participate because I felt so overwhelmed.
There were moments where I felt completely alone in my own head, and I convinced myself that no one would understand what I was feeling. But as time went on and I slowly opened up to the other participants, I realized that I wasn’t the only one silently fighting my own battles. I know there may be participants reading this who have felt the same way at some point during this experience with many of us were carrying our own challenges while showing up and still trying our very best.
Even through the challenging moments, NYA Next has given me experiences I will never forget. I’ve learned more about myself, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and created meaningful connections with the people who have made this journey so special. This program has challenged me in ways I never expected, but has also brought so much warmth and happiness into my life. I will always carry these memories, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people I’ve met with me.
