Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Nov 18/02) - Exploring beyond Nunavut's borders was a lot tougher than Mariah Illungiayok anticipated, but the experience was well-worth the effort.

Illungiayok, 18, a Grade 12 student at Qitiqliq secondary school in Arviat, is planning on becoming a nurse.

She spent this past summer in the Canadian phase of the Nunavut Youth Abroad program (NYAP) in Bayfield, Ont., working with the elderly at the Lake Huron Guest Home.

"The elders really seemed to enjoy my company and they were full of questions about Nunavut, especially the weather and how cold it gets here in the winter."

Leaving home to pursue a post-secondary education is difficult for many Kivalliq youth.

Illungiayok says the experience in Bayfield helped prepare her for attending college next year.

"My time in Ontario showed me I can go away from home and stick it out to finish my education.

"Working at the guest home also gave me a feel for what it will be like working as a nurse full time."

Illungiayok is submitting her application to take part in the international phase of the NYAP in hopes of travelling to Swaziland, Africa.

Excited over the possibility of visiting the Dark Continent, she says more Kivalliq students should get involved with the program.

"The NYAP is like education through travel. It helps you understand more about the world outside Nunavut."

She says the experience gained makes the hard work worthwhile.

"I thought it was going to be easy, but it was a lot of hard work.

"But, it was worth every minute of it."