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Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Inukshuk spent six weeks this past summer in Spencerville, Ont., as part of the NYAP's Canadian Phase.
The Grade 12 student spent time with the light technician during stage plays produced at Fort Wellington in Prescott, Ont., and did some landscaping and dock work at the Prescott Marina.
Inukshuk had to complete a number of assignments for the NYAP and raise $700 towards his trip.
In order to raise the required $700, he sold T-shirts, held bake sales and sent out letters of solicitation to numerous businesses.
Inukshuk says he decided to get involved with the NYAP because he wanted to try something new.
He found out about the program through friends who were singing its praises.
"There were a lot of students talking about the NYAP," says Inukshuk.
"I began asking them questions about it because I wanted to know if it was worth trying for.
"They all told me it was a lot of fun and a good learning experience."
Inukshuk plans to apply for the International Phase of the program once he completes Grade 12.
He says the time he spent in the Canadian Phase helped improve his self-confidence, and he views the International Phase as a great opportunity to visit a country outside of Canada.
"I'm interested in university or college now because my host in Ontario was an electrician and he got me into it.
"I really enjoy working with people and my hands, and I'm good in math, so I think being an electrician would be a good fit for me."
Victor Sammurtok teacher Ana Leishman says although Inukshuk was a confident and outgoing student before the NYAP, it's obvious he benefitted from the experience.
"His confidence is much higher and there's definitely a new level of maturity since his return," says Leishman.
Innukshuk says he would recommend the NYAP to other students.
"You have to work to be accepted, but the NYAP is worth working for."
