LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
While most students at Thomas Simpson Secondary School are looking forward to school ending for the summer, Grade 10 student Brandon Hardisty is anticipating another form of education.

Grade 10 student Brandon Hardisty is preparing to spend his summer outside the territory with Northern Youth Abroad. - April Hudson/NNSL photo

The almost-16-year-old will be on his way to Ottawa at the end of June to join other students from across the North in the Northern Youth Abroad program.

The program brings youth to Ottawa for an orientation camp before sending them to live with host families across Canada where they will remain until mid-August.

Hardisty has spent the past couple months fundraising to cover the cost of the trip. During an interview with the Deh Cho Drum on May 30, Hardisty said he has almost reached his $1,000 fundraising goal.

Hardisty said the furthest he has been from Fort Simpson up until now is Edmonton. Nonetheless, he is looking forward to a summer of new experiences.

"I was first interested in the Northern Youth Abroad program because it involved travelling down south. It meant I could check out other parts of Canada," he said.

"I also want to participate so I can graduate faster."

That would be made possible due to the fact the program contributes nine high school credits to participants.

And the quicker he graduates, the quicker Hardisty will be able to pursue his dreams of becoming a physician.

"After I graduate, I'm probably going to go to university and apply for med school," he said.

"I'll probably want to travel around for a while, and then eventually return (to the territory)."

As for what to expect from the program, Hardisty said he hopes to spend his time down south doing volunteer work, learning about the city he ends up in and getting involved in community events.

He also intends to use the experience to hone his communication skills and overcome shyness.

"I think it will help me with talking in front of large groups of people, and with my leadership skills. It will help me in talking to new people, as well," he said.

Northern Youth Abroad offers three 10-month programs. The first, which is the one Hardisty is participating in, is the Canadian program. The program begins with preparatory assignments from January to June, a summer placement and fall assignments until October.

Northern Youth Abroad also runs an international program, which places youth for the summer in a different country.

"Next year, I'm going to re-apply (for the program) because I'll be eligible for the international one," Hardisty said.

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