Okay Nova Scotia, I get it now. You can stop being so nice, so gracious and so proud. I get it. But I didn't get it before. I moved to Nova Scotia to experience life in the East Coast, to be near the ocean and to gain a little more perspective on Canada.
Life in Nova Scotia suited me well. Yes, the people are laidback and take their time but they are also extremely passionate about issues that are important to them and are engaged in the communities they live in. The people will rally around important causes and will offer anything to help out someone in need. When a former classmate was seriously injured while teaching overseas, his community rallied to raise the necessary $40,000 to bring him home in less than two weeks. Living in Nova Scotia teaches you that you can make a huge difference no matter how small your stage may be.
Life in Nova Scotia suited me well. Yes, the people are laidback and take their time but they are also extremely passionate about issues that are important to them and are engaged in the communities they live in. The people will rally around important causes and will offer anything to help out someone in need. When a former classmate was seriously injured while teaching overseas, his community rallied to raise the necessary $40,000 to bring him home in less than two weeks. Living in Nova Scotia teaches you that you can make a huge difference no matter how small your stage may be.
While Nova Scotia is considered a "have-not" province, Wolfville could be considered a "have" region in the province. With the benefit of a university in the center of town, Wolfville is a town with life. There are opportunities to catch live music on a near-nightly basis, watch a critically acclaimed film, grab a gourmet meal, or find something to keep you physical outdoors. When you strike up a conversation with a longtime Wolfville resident in the pub, they will talk about how they look forward to the influx of students every September - they keep things interesting. Anybody who has been in town after a Vil night will likely agree.
Luckily, for the sit-down-and-drink crowd, there are a few great pubs in Wolfville, and if spending a semester in England taught me anything, it's that pub life is key. Just show up, grab a pint, and shoot the shit. Even if you are by yourself, someone will be willing to talk and to listen. Some of my best philosophical conversations about teaching have been over a pint of Guinness during "staff meetings" at the "Library" (Pub).
I loved growing up in small town Brighton, so I understand why there are those that stay. If we had a university in our town, I might still be there. Many Annapolis Valley residents are connected to their towns, so they attend Acadia University and settle in for the long haul. They contribute to their communities, start programs to benefit young people, or start their own business. But unfortunately for the province, many are also leaving. A recent report lead by Acadia President Ray Ivany predicted that unless economic trends are reversed, Nova Scotia could see a decline in working age population by 2036 of 100,000. Approximately 10% of the population.
My friend Jenner was once driving me to the airport and I asked him why every town seems to have a slogan claiming they are the home of something (Birthplace of Hockey! A traditional stopping place! Blueberry Capital of the World!) He responded “well, y’know… you’re from a small town but it’s not far to get to something you need, in Nova Scotia, all we have is each other.”
Luckily, for the sit-down-and-drink crowd, there are a few great pubs in Wolfville, and if spending a semester in England taught me anything, it's that pub life is key. Just show up, grab a pint, and shoot the shit. Even if you are by yourself, someone will be willing to talk and to listen. Some of my best philosophical conversations about teaching have been over a pint of Guinness during "staff meetings" at the "Library" (Pub).
I loved growing up in small town Brighton, so I understand why there are those that stay. If we had a university in our town, I might still be there. Many Annapolis Valley residents are connected to their towns, so they attend Acadia University and settle in for the long haul. They contribute to their communities, start programs to benefit young people, or start their own business. But unfortunately for the province, many are also leaving. A recent report lead by Acadia President Ray Ivany predicted that unless economic trends are reversed, Nova Scotia could see a decline in working age population by 2036 of 100,000. Approximately 10% of the population.
My friend Jenner was once driving me to the airport and I asked him why every town seems to have a slogan claiming they are the home of something (Birthplace of Hockey! A traditional stopping place! Blueberry Capital of the World!) He responded “well, y’know… you’re from a small town but it’s not far to get to something you need, in Nova Scotia, all we have is each other.”
My year and half (plus change) in Nova Scotia allowed me to look at Canada in a new light. Canada is so diverse, but it is rooted together in its history. We all have to brave the elements, we are polite and we are helpful. In Nova Scotia I was able to better understand the natural side of Canada and it made me want to protect and be a better steward for the environment. It’s what makes Canada, Canada. Maybe this is just the Winter Olympics talking.
I want to thank everyone who made the last year and a half so great. Thank you to the girls in the Willow palace for accepting a stranger with open arms last year. Thank you to Kyle and Julia, my roommates for the last 6 months. Thank you to everyone in the Faculty of Education at Acadia who were great friends and will all become exceptional teachers. Thanks to my Slovenian brothers, who provided me a place to play competitive hockey. Thank you Liz, my old Brock neighbour and my initial guide to Wolfville, her hometown. Thank you Nova Scotia, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to catch a plan to China. See you on the other side.
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I want to thank everyone who made the last year and a half so great. Thank you to the girls in the Willow palace for accepting a stranger with open arms last year. Thank you to Kyle and Julia, my roommates for the last 6 months. Thank you to everyone in the Faculty of Education at Acadia who were great friends and will all become exceptional teachers. Thanks to my Slovenian brothers, who provided me a place to play competitive hockey. Thank you Liz, my old Brock neighbour and my initial guide to Wolfville, her hometown. Thank you Nova Scotia, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to catch a plan to China. See you on the other side.
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