That’s the question I received every single time I told someone back home where I had chosen to go to school. Then I had to go through the steps of explaining that it was in New Brunswick, and explaining where Sackville was so complicated, I would usually just say it was about two hours away from Halifax. It’s actually a complete fluke that I even ended up here in the first place, but now entering my second year I wish more than anything that more people out west knew about MtA.  

I’m from Victoria, BC and so the normal school choices are UVic, SFU, UBC, UBCO and Camosun College. People are seen as brave and adventurous if they go to UofT, or Queens, and if they go to McGill, they’re crazy for going so far away from home. While these bigger universities all have something to offer, there’s something about these smaller liberal arts schools out east that you just can’t find out west. The uniqueness in the programs, the tight knit communities, that special feeling you get when every single time you walk across campus and see someone you know… you just can’t find those in so many of the bigger west coast schools.  

Besides this, the east coast community as a whole is something that I never could have expected, and something that to this day makes me really happy. Hearing my friends have conversations about their mutual friend from one maritime province who they played hockey with once in another maritime province, and then somehow figure out that they were taught by someone else’s grandfather in grade 2. This may seem far-fetched to some people out west, but these are legitimate conversations that I’ve had with friends out here.  

Also… the stereotype you’ve all heard about East Coasters being the kindest people you’ll ever meet… SO TRUE. Walking down the street you’ll see someone, and they’ll smile at you, or give a slight wave. The other day I walked into the grocery store with a friend and an old man turned to us said “oh you girls go on in ahead! It’s so nice to see people back in this town.” The small-town charm is one that I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to live without now that I’ve experienced it. I’m already planning on moving out here when I’m finished my degree… I’ve met my friends, fallen in love with the small town of Sackville, and completely fallen head over heels with the East Coast in general.  

To anyone on the west coast reading this right now… PLEASE consider the east coast for your post-secondary degree. Mount Allison will forever be my number one recommendation, but when it comes to the East Coast, there’s charm absolutely everyone. PLUS… the music is pretty great! My new favourite song is Heave Away (but only when accompanied by garlic fingers).

Photo: Picture of me and my friend who is from the East Coast :)