Kaylyn Isles's Story
Category:
Study abroad student
Country:
Finland
You see, friendly reader, I am what Oxford Languages defines as a “hot mess”. I am a myriad of complexities and circumstances that one could assume is the love child of crappy genetics, some poor life choices, and really bad luck. In short, what I’m trying to say is that I have a lot going on at all times.
I was gifted morbid obesity in early childhood. I acquired an autoimmune disease later in life, and generally am just a target for unfortunate circumstances (like injuries to both feet… one occurring before this very trip). Tie this awesome package together with a ribbon of anxiety and mental health struggles, and Voila! It’s me!
Don’t be fooled! Despite my physical limitations, my attitude remains sharp and optimistic. … Mostly! I had come to terms a long time ago that I’m not as able-bodied as everyone else, and with that comes circumstances where I am left behind or require accommodations to proceed. This is the root of the anxiety I felt going on this trip, and my fears were solidified on our first flight – a layover in Montreal.
I hadn’t left Canada, and I was ready to return home in panic. While I was just meeting the NSCC team in person for the first time, I felt a warmth of support and encouragement from them. They were firm in advocating for me at airports and supporting my journey to Finland, reminding me often to stop apologizing because I deserved the experience that awaited me.
Their support delivered me to Oulu, Finland, where we were greeted with snow (in May) and daylight at 10 pm. Oulu is a city where innovation meets nature. It’s a place where people of every age casually bike everywhere, fully immersed in the most inclusive atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. Coming here for the BIDS Inclusion program felt like stepping into a postcard, albeit one with impeccably organized workshops and tons of sauna steam.
I expected this program to be full of slide shows and presentations. I thought we would spend a lot of time in a classroom, doing “book work” and having discussions. While some of that did take place, most of our time was spent doing activities that I NEVER would have thought we’d experience! From hiking to city tours, from crafts to cookouts, from ghost tours to visiting Santa Claus – we really did it all! We tried Mölkky, a Finnish lawn game that’s part bowling, part math quiz, and entirely confusing until it suddenly becomes clear. We even participated in a cold plunge, where we dipped into the ice-cold water and followed it with a trip to the sauna, then repeated the process.
The program brought together participants from all over, united by a shared passion for diversity and accessibility. This group quickly learned of my physical limitations and made every effort to support me and include me wherever possible. I learned that while I had my physical barriers, many of my peers had/have barriers they face daily too. Some faced poverty, some are part of the LGBTQ+ community, some face mental health struggles, and others face discrimination based on religion or their race.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of my trip was the people I met. From my fellow participants to the program facilitators, everyone had a story to share and a lesson to teach. Whether it was a facilitator explaining the difference between salmiakki (a salty licorice) and regular candy (hint: there is none), or a participant sharing their struggles of acceptance back home, there was something to learn. While discussing the creation of more inclusive spaces, I found myself in awe of how much can be achieved when people from different cultures and perspectives work together.
What I learned during my time away could not have been taught in any slideshow or textbook. The BIDS Inclusion Program wasn’t just about learning new strategies; it was about discovering the power of inclusion in action. I left Finland with a deeper appreciation for diversity and the reminder from my peers that inclusion includes me. While I feel an inclination to say “sorry” for my burden (it must be a Canadian thing), I would like to say “thank you” instead in appreciation. You, I, and everyone else deserve the same opportunities and experiences – don’t ever apologize for existing.