Far Away From Home

Author: Nel Pedroso
Posted on January 19, 2021

So far in my life, I have only lived in small, rural towns. When I was a child, I lived on a farm; during my high school years, I lived in the Arctic and now in the lovely town of Sackville! Back in the Northwest Territories, we don’t have an actual university institution, so I either had to move or do online learning. The idea of attending university was scary for me, and I was even contemplating taking a gap year.  I initially applied to post-secondary institutions in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, being my farthest choice. Don’t get me wrong; these are fantastic places, but at the same time, I was concerned about how well I could transition to a new and challenging environment. At this point, I had no idea that Mount Allison existed, nor had I ever been on the east coast! My social studies teacher, a Mount A alum, suggested that I should take a look at Mount Allison. I was like… “Mount Allison in New Brunswick? Why would I go there? That is too far.” Next thing I know, I was in the process of applying. Coming from a person who lived in rural settings, the idea of pursuing your education in a small town was something I was looking forward to (but also to satisfy my cravings for authentic seafood meals <3)!  Arriving at Mount A was slightly overwhelming at first, but I soon realized that everybody was in the same situation as me! I met some of my good friends during my orientation week, but also throughout the year. Attending a small liberal arts school allowed me to quickly get to know peers and professors compared to larger campuses. Seeing a friendly face while casually walking through campus or around town is one of Sackville’s charms. Sackville and Mount Allison have become home. It reminds me of my small town up north in so many ways— the feeling of inclusivity and a welcoming atmosphere. One of the perks of being in Sackville is that there are so many ways to get involved in the community. I have joined clubs, societies, enjoyed my classes and met so many new people.  All around, I’m so excited to continue studying here for the next three years, and I look forward to seeing how everything unfolds. 

PS: Coming from a cold place, I am still not used to the east coast’s windy winter! And I learned the hard way that umbrellas do not work here in Sackville!

Photo: Taken the day before I left my hometown for Mount A!