Day 365- March 24th- Emily Beacock

Emily is a super gal. I loved her cheerful, enthusiastic and kind nature, which was evident in the first few minutes at CKSS in February. She also had an odd knack for being ready and uber-excited every time I tried to take an unscripted picture of the group. This was one of the only posed shots, so the irony was just too good. I really enjoyed meeting her and hope to stay in touch to see how her transition to university goes.


During her stay, she offered to be interviewed for the newspaper of the north. In the interview, she was asked what did you first notice about the north when you first arrived. I found her answer very interesting, she said that in pictures the tundra looks very vast, barren and cold, but once you take a drive around by skidoo you realize how completely, breathtakingly beautiful it is. "The photos just never do it justice."


Theme Song for today: She's Only Happy In The Sun by Ben Harper

Day 363- March 22- Missy Batten

I don't think I have met someone in a while that embraces life as much as Missy! I love this girl!! She is very energetic, wears her thoughts on her sleeve so you always know where you stand, and is extremely kind to others. I was impressed right away by her willingness to help my students feel at home when we arrived in Chatham the first day. She was very open to knowing more about them, their culture and lives and took every opportunity to try new things when she was visiting the north. I really liked her and her positive energy a lot. She seemed to be right at home here.I wish her a very bright future and hope we meet again!





Theme Song for Today: Can't Hold Us Down by Christina Aguilera

Day 357- March 16- Jeff Green

Jeff is a neat guy. He was the parent of one of the exchange students and hosted one of my kids at his house while we visited. He made a very positive impression on all the guys in my group and especially the boy who was staying at his place. I didn't have many opportunities to chat with Jeff, but liked his laid back and energetic style. He is very sporty and has coached football for years. Some of his former players include guys who have played in the NFL and even the Super Bowl. I think he enjoyed his time in Kangiqsualujjuaq.





Theme Song for Today: Mirrorball by Elbow

Day 333- Feb. 20th- Igulik Snowball-Emudluk

Igulik and I never really spent much time in the past getting to know each other. She was the cousin of many of my former students, but she took French in school so we never crossed paths. On our trip back from Chatham we had one overnight in Montreal. Not my most stress-free evening of the trip as the sole chaperone with a group of 15-19 year old in Montreal. But alas, I digress. Igulik met us on the way to Ontario despite the rush and our very short time in the airport, then she met up with us at the hotel for a few hours. I was very impressed with her new found confidence, her maturity about her college responsibilities and her serious outlook about her education. She had many relatives in my class, who were enthralled with her tales of homework and assigned readings. I really appreciated her effort to encourage my students and convey the challenges that they would face in the following year or two as they also leave for college. I really enjoyed spending a few minutes getting to know her that day. Thanks Igulik!





Theme Song for today: She Said by Plan B

Day 300- Jan. 18- Anita Annanack

(Written Aug. 25, 2013)
Anita has lived away from Kangiqsualujjuaq for work for most of the years I have been here. I know her from her visits and from teaching a few of her siblings. She's a hard working woman who wants her kids to grow up to be strong educated Inuit, even if that means sometimes she has to be away from them to earn money. I am impressed by her fluency in English and enjoy talking with her when she comes back home. Till we meet again, Anita, I hope that life treats you well and brings you much joy!
Theme song for today: Are We All We Are by P!nk

Day 292- Jan. 10- Students On Ice, Minnie Molly Snowball

(Check out her journey at: http://www.studentsonice.com/antarctic2010/

(Written Aug. 24, 2013)
I started this post when Minnie Molly was on, what at the time was, the BIGGEST adventure of her life. Since that time she has gone on many other epic journeys and completely amazed me. Minnie Molly's trip to Antarctica was her first demonstration to me in her drive and willingness to work and work and work until her dreams were met. She started emailing government officials until she found out how to get sponsorship for this trip, which at the time was not well advertised. Since her ground breaking efforts, many other youth from Nunavik have participated in Students on Ice voyages.

There is honestly too many things that I could say about Minnie Molly, it is challenging to define even just a few of her best attributes, so I apologize to her if this list minimizes her various skills, knowledge and abilities. She is much more and has accomplished significantly more than I will say here. She- was a master debater in English class, worked harder than anyone I know on essays and assignments, was/is passionate about politics and helping lead Nunavik into a more clear and stable future, found a way to travel to Rio de Janeiro for a UN Environment conference a few days after her graduation and made provincial news when she called upon the Premier for his lack of transparency with regard to Plan Nord, helped lift the profile of the National Park and base camp summer student programs, participated on the Team Nunavik Quebec Snowshoe team for the last three Arctic Winter Games and was the team's flag bearer in 2012; and the list goes on. She is a modern day pioneer, opening doors for youth younger than herself. Nothing seems impossible when Minnie Molly gets her hands on it!
MM is currently furthering her studies at CEGEP in Montreal. I know she will write even more interesting chapters in the future.

Theme song for today: Roar by Katy Perry

Day 291- Jan. 9- Jimmy Annanack

(Written Aug. 24, 2013)
Jimmy Annanack was in my class for a couple of years. Sadly, he isn't coming any more. I enjoyed having him in my class, but I think it was just seemed like too much for him to stick with it. He was a determined guy, who taught me a lot about the limits to a teacher's encouragement. I could never help him see how much potential I saw in him. It bothered me at first but it was a great lesson to learn.
Education is a community affair. Teachers play one small part, but the student themself, the parents, elders, mayor, council, FM announcer, school janitor, store manager, etc. etc. all play a part in empowering, teaching and helping the student to get to where they need to be.
Thank you Jimmy for being there while you were. I wish you the best in everything you do!

Theme song for today: We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke