Hello! My name is Rick Aningaat and I am from Baker Lake, Nunavut. I am apart of the NYA next program of 2026. Some of my hobbies are cleaning, cooking/baking, listening to music, and throat singing.

So far, what I’d like to work on is learning how to navigate and explore the city of Ottawa alone, time management such as planning ahead of time, being on time, and setting a curfew to hand in assessments. And also learn to set a curfew to balance work life and self care. I also would like to learn to set boundaries for myself.

My highlight of next is meeting familiar and new faces, building more than just a bond with one another, and experiencing new careers, doing tours around the city, campuses, taking the bus and trains to get and leave places. My 2 dream jobs are becoming a baker/chef, and to also become a pilot.

One of my favourite things I did within the first 2 weeks of Next is to learn how to help direct the crane driver and deliver loads safely. I’d love to take part in a culinary arts program and visit a local bakery in Ottawa as I love baking as much as I love to clean.

What I love about Next, is when your homesick, you have all these kind, loving, caring, most wonderful people to help you feel less homesick after chatting. Next helps prepare for post secondary, live on campus, tour different colleges and universities, take part in trades such as plumbing, pipe fitting and so much more!

I highly recommend to take the NYA Next if you love to do hands on learning, projects, and trying out new things you never did before. Time may feel like its slow during the first week or so but when in reality when you get to know everyone, you’ll lose track of time without realizing.

Thank you, Rick Ross.