Hi there, I’m Rhoda Nashalik from Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Currently, I’m soaking up the city life in Ottawa as a participant in the Northern Youth Abroad Next program. This unique experience is not only preparing me for college but also equipping me with valuable skills for my future. From bustling campus life to enriching volunteering experiences, let me take you on a journey through my transformative time here.
Experiencing life on Algonquin campus is like a sneak peek into college life. It’s a dynamic environment that fosters social connections and offers a variety of experiences, making the idea of college less intimidating and more approachable.
Adjusting to this program was a challenge, especially the early mornings. The alarm clock became my nemesis as I struggled to wake up for our morning construction classes. But as the days rolled on, I found myself adapting to the new routine. Now, I’m mostly punctual, ready to start the day with a hard hat and a blueprint.
Life in our residence has its own rhythm. Each day starts with breakfast and snacks offered by our leaders. We come together to prepare lunches for the next day, creating a sense of camaraderie. Evenings are spent sharing dinner and stories. But it’s not all about food and chores. We’ve embarked on cultural activities, like exploring local forests and letting loose in a game of tag on the soccer field. These shared experiences are turning us from participants into a close-knit community.
Besides our regular schedule, we’ve had swimming lessons and volunteered at Mooney’s beach, taking down volleyball nets after a busy day. This week, some of us also volunteered at a local homeless shelter called The Mission. We prepared meals and learned about the amazing work they do, feeding over a million people in a year. It’s been an eye-opening experience, reminding us of the power of community and the importance of giving back. We participated in a park clean-up initiative, and even did gardening at a retirement home, tho I must admit, the bugs were a bit much for me!
Weeks into this program, it’s hard to describe the bond we’ve formed – it’s like we’re family. I know I’ll miss this group; we’ve shared so many laughs and good times! This program has been an incredible experience, the best yet! The way we collaborate and learn together, fostering a real sense of community, is truly special.
Our hard work didn’t go unnoticed. As a reward for our dedication and effort, our leaders treated us to a day at Fun Haven, a local amusement center. It was a day filled with laughter, games, and a well-deserved break from our routine. We also got a chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture by attending a festival. These experiences were not just fun, they were a testament to our hard work paying off.
