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Change of place

I was the homesickness champion. Nobody could beat me. I was one of those kids who would beg to leave parties because I missed home so much. My parents could never get me out of the house for more than one day, and even that was a struggle. My life existed in one place and one place only: home on the farm in rural Ontario.

On my first day of junior kindergarten, I cried at the bus stop. My mother, discouraged by my endless tears, swiftly lifted me on to the bus. The bus driver quickly closed the doors to block my escape and drove away. The following day, I cried again. Only this time, I was upset because I couldn’t go to school. (Junior kindergartners attended school every other day.) For the first time in my life, I had discovered a new place that was just as welcoming as home.

That parallels what my experience has been like in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A year ago, I felt uncertain about starting an adventure to the east, but now that my dorm room has become my home, I wouldn’t ask for anything different.

Moving to Halifax was probably the most difficult, but best, decision I have ever made. I find that moving out here has made me a much more relaxed person. I used to worry about every little thing. I was afraid to make a mistake or upset somebody. The mentality out here is completely different—most people are relaxed and comfortable in their own skin. They are welcoming and supportive, and they create an environment reflective of these characteristics.

Over the past year, I have come to realize that university isn’t just about a degree, but about life. The degree is the reason you come to university, but every day isn’t about this one thing—it’s about the many things that make this university experience complete.

The university situation in Halifax is ideal. The city houses four schools, so from September to April, there are always students around. Activities do not only exist on one campus. You find yourself travelling and meeting students from many schools in the province.

There is always something to do here; not one day is ever the same. I would recommend moving to the east coast to anybody looking for a great university experience.

Search for schools located in places that will not only give you a positive experience, but also a unique one. I knew that attending university in Halifax would be much different than attending in Ontario, and I got what I bargained for. The east made me realize that more than one place can feel like home, even if you are a self-proclaimed homesickness champion.

Kate Jenkins is a second-year student at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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