Leaving the North: Three StoriesThe transition,

me want to leave Edmonton the first week I was there.”

Getting around in the city was the hardest part. “I didn’t know the city or the bus routes.” It took six months for him to adjust. In this time, he also developed a new found appreciation for the people he had known his whole life, his family and relatives. “They were so far away. If they visited, I made sure I accompanied them around town”.

Edmonton was full of options for “partying”, and soon Charles was jailed again, losing jobs with Weldco-Beales Manufacturing and Ikita Drilling. He checked into the Yellowknife Salvation Army Treatment Centre twice. The second try was a success, because Charles had found a reason for living, his 17month-old son. “I’ve been away from my boy for almost a month and I really miss him, I can’t wait to see him again.”

He was taught at the Treatment Centre to deal with his anger. “I had a problem with authority. I wanted to do everything my way. The Salvation Army was really good; they house you, feed you, and arm you with knowledge. You get to develop at your own pace, and learn you can have power over alcohol. I’ve been sober for 10 months, I am really looking forward to getting my 1st year in sobriety.”

Charles accepts his past, and rejects the offer to tell his story anonymously. “It really doesn’t matter. I’ve come pretty far, from going to jail to finishing college and now I’m an apprentice welder. I’ve hope for the rest of my life now. I just got a full time job at a rig in southern Alberta!”

As for jail, he said, “There are a lot of young people in jail,” he said, “18 and 20 year old boys who could be at home learning a trade or at whaling camp. It’s really not the place for a young person to go. Days were long, nights were lonely, I thought of suicide. I’ve been to jail 5 times. I guess you are supposed to learn after the first time but it wasn’t the case for me.” racist jokes that were told in the hallways.

I was not discriminated against personally, but many who were curious about my culture questioned me a lot. I didn’t mind sharing.

I became exposed to different cultures and made new friends. My roommate was from Hong Kong and could not speak English. Although we were very different, we would comfort each other through the changes we were adjusting to. Sometimes we would just cry together.

My friend Elizabeth helped me cope. Visitors coming through town visited and took me out. I was lucky that my Dad came to Edmonton a few times a year for business so he would take me out for dinner and spend time with me. I also went home on holidays. I was also on sports teams. The volleyball and basketball teams were very supportive and fun.

I am enjoying Alberta now. I have an apartment in a nice neighborhood near campus. I have many friends, from high school, the north and university. There is always something to do usually takes about two days to find student accommodation. We try to help them save money, as hotels are too expensive.”

“When they come to the city and see a familiar face, they won’t feel as lonely. When I first moved south, I found it hard to drive in the city. I built confidence and awareness over time. When a student sees another northerner drive in the south, they are less leery of driving. All you need is to get your bearings; we can show you how to use everything in the city for a better education and life.”

“If you set your mind on finishing college, your positive attitude will get you through. The frustration of leaving the North can be hard, but with help in place, you can always ask another in Edmonton and I like the weather, especially this year!

There is so much to experience in life. I have learnt that things can only get better even if it feels like they are getting worse. I can’t wait to finish school and get out in the world as a nurse. Nursing is hard work, but it is worth it.