Sean Michael, right, with placement buddy Logan

My experience so far as a participant with NYA has been great. My placement buddy, Logan, and I have had a great time. I’ve had the chance to do lots of things that I’ve always wanted to do. My host parents are Cheryl and Brandon. They are very kind and generous. My host family is planning to bring Logan and I to Niagara Falls, the zoo, and maybe to the USA. My work placement is at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Their mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. I was nervous my first day because it was my first ever job but it has turned out to be a great job, with very kind co-workers. There is always something to do there. My main duties are unloading the trucks and handling all of the donations. I don’t really miss home and my parents too much; it’s similar to when I lived in Pangnirtung without my family for 8 months. Logan and I stay busy with work. We also go swimming together. We’ve also become comfortable riding the bus, something I hadn’t done before coming here. The biggest difference I have found about life down south is the heat. It is very hot here most of the time.

I really enjoy being here!