LIFE IN NORTH BAY

   It has been a week since I moved up to North Bay, and what a week it has been. I expected to enjoy the North and Nipissing, but I had no idea how at home I would feel within the first 48 hours.

    I am living on campus in a suite-style residence with three of the GREATEST girls. Living with people you have never met before can be daunting, but I seriously lucked out. It feels as though I have known Amy, Carol, and Hayley for MUCH longer than a week. Our evenings have been filled with wonderful conversation and lots of laughter, and I am fortunate to have a home that I am excited to return to at the end of the day. 

    The BEd program has already pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I know it will only make me a better teacher in the future. I am learning to embrace public speaking (just a small part of teaching, right?!). I have always struggled with initiating conversation with strangers, but starting a program where you don't know anyone has helped me overcome that initial shyness. I have said this multiple times this week, but I am blown away by how friendly everyone in my program is. Maybe it's because we have similar personalities, or maybe it's the common passion/interest in teaching; whatever it is, I have met amazing people this week and I know I will continue to meet new people each day. 

    I really enjoyed McMaster, but I have to admit that Nipissing takes the cake. The beautiful campus is nestled in a forest and has more trails than I can count (also getting use to carrying bear spray in my backpack). It consists of three buildings - the education centre, library, and athletic centre - but the small school size makes you feel at home, and I have felt more apart of the community here than I did in my four years at Mac. 

    I still have so much to discover in North Bay, but the highlights from this week include the hiking trails that lead to Duchesnay Falls, as well as the waterfront/beach. The waterfront provides the best sunset views I have ever seen, and it's only five minutes from campus! The outdoorsy lifestyle is definitely one of the top reasons why I absolutely love the North.
   There's also a strong sense of Indigenous culture here which I am eager to learn more about. 

    This week has been incredible, and I'm excited to think that I still have two more years here! I could definitely see myself living in Northern Ontario after I graduate. I have added some photos that capture the last seven days.