RANKIN INLET - Laura Merritt of Rankin Inlet has always dreamed of being a teacher.

Merritt is inching ever-closer to achieving her goal, as she takes part in the Nunavut Teacher's Education program (NTEP) in Rankin.

The NTEP held an open house in Rankin this past month for people to stop by and see some of the items created during the group's cultural studies module.

Merritt, 25, said she began her teaching studies at the University of Saskatchewan and is waiting for her official transfer to arrive in Rankin.

She joined the NTEP about three months ago.

She said she finds the NTEP rewarding, but there was a bit of an adjustment period for her after returning home from Saskatchewan.

"The group was in its second year when I joined, but I didn't find it too hard getting caught up," said Merritt.

"The biggest adjustment I had to make was the classes being all day, every day, for three-week periods, where, in the south, I could choose my class schedule.

"Because I'm, technically, in my third year, I found some of the courses I started on with our regular instructor, Mike Pickles, pretty easy because they were kind of a review for me.

"But the cultural studies we just finished was a lot different because it was so hands-on, and I liked that."

Merritt said she enjoyed making a sealskin parka during cultural studies.

She said each student also had to interview an elder as part of a research project.

"I chose to do my research on the changes in weather the elders have seen, and the changes in ice they see while out hunting now, as compared to when they were younger.

"Some in the group did stories, while others researched the string game, things of that nature."

Merritt said she's looking forward to the day when she enters her own classroom as a teacher.

She said she hopes to work in Rankin, and would like to start in elementary and work her way up to high school.

"Teaching is so rewarding because you help kids grow and learn.

"I've already done some classroom work, so I know it's not easy.

"But, I'm prepared to take that on and work at it as it comes.

"I'd also like to be involved in soccer, and maybe student council activities, once I've been on the job awhile and there's more time for me to get involved with things like that."