I just came back from one of the most enriching experiences of my young life and I've been searching for the right words to properly articulate how I feel about my trip:
To say I'm honored would be an understatement. To be counted among 15 other amazing Canadians to represent my country was a pleasure and I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity by Fulbright Canada to do so. The three week exchange started on July 18th in Ottawa, followed by a home stay in Plattsburgh New York with a hospitable American family from July 20th to July 30th, and a week long visit to Washington D.C from August 1st to August 6th. Throughout my exchange I had the opportunity of sitting in workshops and meeting esteemed officials, attending site visits to places such as Parliament, the White house and the Abraham Lincoln memorial. And learned about the enduring relationship between the U.S and Canada and how I could help strengthen it further. However, my joy was not in the grand places I saw but the people I met- having the fortune to do life with other Canadians from provinces very different than mine such as Labrador, Nova Scotia and even Nunavut. As I reflect I can truly say I know I've made friends and know our respective departures are not the end of our interactions with each other. And if your a Canadian Youth Ambassador reading this, please know your an asset to your community and have more value than you'll ever know. I'm also thankful to our adult educators, Mike and Terri for pouring into all of us and seeing the value of youth civic engagement. Thank you to all the organizers and coordinators who worked so hard to make this possible- your effort was greatly appreciated This exchange has provided me with fond memories and for that I'm eternally grateful.
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AuthorMy name is Akua B and I'm a lover of all things Africa, natural hair and poetry... Archives
March 2017
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