You've all heard of culture shock before, but did you ever think it could happen to you in your own country?
For me, it happened in the vast land of Alberta. The weather in Cochrane was bitterly cold when we first arrived Nov. 10, but I was determined that I would walk every day. I would show these Albertans that the West Coast isn't wimpy; maybe we've never had a real winter before- but how bad could it be? Well, my skin began to crack and bleed, not to mention the frostbite that occurred on my rear end, and I soon realized what all the fuss was about.But it hadn't beaten me yet! I invested in a thick snow jacket andsome baby'srash cream, I would put up a fight against this winter!
In Cochrane the culture is about the local hotel for country dancingand the infamous MacKay's ice cream.I thought learning to salsa in Bolivia would be a challenge, but it was attempting the two-step that proved I have two left feet. However, I think the biggestchallengeof all for me was coming from the third world country of Bolivia with manyhardships but with people still full of smiles to the consumer-based hectic society of Canadaand beingreminded of just how nice Canadians are.
You've heard of Southern hospitality before - how about trying the Cochrane hospitality set in a slightly colder environment? The people here are warm and friendly. Complete strangers are willing to invite you into their homes. I am staying with a woman named Sandy Johnson and her two children, Noel, 19, and Stephanie, 17. Sandy is probably one of the strongest women I've ever met, and she's taught me a lot about perseverance in the face of adversity. This program has taught me a lot about adaptation, and having my bedroom in the living room basement is just one of those things I've adapted to.
My counterpart Daniela and I volunteer three days a week at the family and community support service centre. They runmany community programs here aswell as a lot of support/social services. I create posters, update the website, work with the parents and tots program, as well as other important jobs such as cleaning the fish tank and making coffee.
So now, with less than six weeks remaining, I am starting to feel the strain of leaving something so special. Before coming to Cochrane, I was sure I wouldn't like it, but now I have come to embrace and defend the way of life here. There have been many ups and downs throughout the program but it was all worth it. And when Feb. 19 rolls around and I have to return to real life, I will be left sad and happy because Canada World Youth gave me an amazing opportunity.
If anyone has questions about Canada World Youth exchange, specific questions about my experience or job/travel opportunities for me in February, please contact me at: [email protected].
