A trip of a lifetime for Whati youth
Dylan Moosenose gets to experience Ontario through Northern Youth Abroad
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Published Monday, October 6, 2014
WHATI/LAC LA MARTRE
Dylan Moosenose says if he had to choose one thing that was different between his hometown and Ontario, it would be how hot the weather can be.
Joe Chicot, left, and Dylan Moosenose pose for a photo during their trip to Ontario as part of the Northern Youth Abroad program this summer. The pair were placed together in a home in Kingston, Ont. - Photo courtesy of Jessica Hodgson |
"I noticed the humidity and heat," he said. "I couldn't believe it when I got off the plane."
Moosenose, 16, travelled from Whati to Kingston, Ont. this past July as part of the Northern Youth Abroad program.
He said he decided to participate after a teacher shared information about the program last year.
"My teacher told everyone about it in class," he said. "I thought, 'hey, this is kind of interesting'."
Moosenose was placed with a family in Kingston along with Joe Chicot from Kakisa Lake.
The pair spent their time working and experiencing life in Ontario, Moosenose said.
Moosenose's work placement took place at Bayridge Landscaping in Kingston.
He said his job involved everything from shoveling dirt and mulch to laying sod.
When he wasn't working, Moosenose said his host family took him and Chicot on excursions.
He said one weekend was spent in Toronto where the pair went sightseeing and travelled to the top of the CN Tower.
Moosenose said while he enjoyed the experience, he had to try and get over his fear of heights.
"I don't like heights," he said. "That was freaky."
Moosenose said he also got a chance to visit the Toronto Zoo and the city's waterfront.
Now that he's home, Moosenose said he plans on getting ready to participate in the second phase of NYA - a trip to Guatemala sometime next year.
In the meantime, he's dedicating his time to his school work and possibly becoming a member of Mezi Community School's student council.
As of press time last week, he and another student were tied for the treasurer position.
A tie-breaker election was scheduled to take place on Oct. 9.
"I like fundraising and I want to get some things for the school," he said.
Moosenose said he had some words of advice for students looking to get involved in NYA.
"Never feel alone because Northern Youth Abroad staff and members are your family."
