RANKIN INLET - Sometimes the only way to know if you're cut out for something is to give it a try.

That was part of Kelli McLarty's reasoning when she applied to be a summer student with the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP.

RCMP summer student Kelli McLarty is enjoying interacting with community members of all ages, especially ones enjoying tasty hotdogs like Audrey Fredlund, 2, during Nunavut Day celebrations in Rankin Inlet earlier this month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

And, she knew it would be a good experience.

McLarty said she's always had the desire to be a teacher or an RCMP officer, but couldn't decide which.

"This was my chance to satisfy my curiosity as to what being an RCMP officer is all about," said McLarty.

"It was the perfect opportunity to test it out, see what the officers do and decide if it was something I'd consider as a career."

McLarty has finished her first year at Mount Royal College in Calgary.

She's working on her bachelor of education and bachelor of kinesiology degrees, which will take her five years to complete.

She said she's enjoying her experience with the RCMP this summer and feels good about having the chance to help out in her community.

"This gives me a chance to see another side of Rankin Inlet, and share some positive feedback with the youth of the community.

"You never know when a kid will look at you and think, since you're a local person who grew up in Rankin, maybe they can do this someday too.

"I've received some pretty good feedback, and some of that may have come from the fact I can speak a bit of Inuktitut, which really helps with a job like this.

"I also sense a bit of respect from some people I deal with because they know I'm from Rankin, and that may help them feel like they can trust me a bit more than someone they've never met."

McLarty said her time with the RCMP this summer has opened her eyes to some things that go on in Rankin that, maybe, many people aren't truly aware of.

She said they might know it exists, but it isn't part of their particular lives.

"I've always led a sheltered life in my own little bubble with my friends.

"We didn't know a lot about what went on in the lives of many people in the community because we were only concerned with school, sports, hanging out together; that type of stuff.

"I come from Rankin and I love it here, so it's good for me to gain a broader perspective of what the whole of Rankin is really like."

As much as she's enjoying her time on the force, McLarty has decided to pursue her teaching degree.

Then she plans to come back to the North and teach; hopefully in Rankin.

"That's now my official career plan.

"I know I'm going to be a teacher."