Aaron Fraser's Story
During our international learning experience, I believe I was at an advantage because I was the eldest student in the group. Being the eldest, it provided me with the opportunity to serve as an anchor. My younger peers were able to rely on me for guidance, support and encouragement. It allowed me to expand on my leadership skills as I set the standard for my peers. I was even thanked several times by my younger peers, as they were extremely grateful for my participation in the program due to the expertise I shared with them. The most significant differences I observed between Grenada and Nova Scotia were the geography and landscape of the island, as well as the beautiful natural scenery. The mountainous landscape the island boasts is a vast difference from Nova Scotia. While Nova Scotia does have some quite large hills accompanied by very rocky terrain, Grenada's mountainous views, plush green scenery and beautiful weather all year round are a bit different from our nature experience here in Nova Scotia. The significant similarities I observed between Grenada and Nova Scotia was the way Grenadians live off the land and rely on livestock, being from North Preston it reminded me a lot of my community as we have had a lot of farms for generations and live off the land as much as it will allow This experience has transformed me as a professional by allowing me to see myself reflected in leadership positions and as a majority in the trades sector, it was an empowering moment. It ignited a new sense of belonging in my career field. On a personal level, Grenada has drastically instilled change in my life by allowing me to experience what life is like in another part of the world. Because I was so welcomed and accepted, it made me feel as though I had gained a new family, as we are all human beings and were created equal in the eyes of God. In closing, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, learned a lot, and it drove me to want to return and to explore other parts of the world.