A Canadian’s Experience at Salmon
When I first came to Salmon as a Resident Volunteer, it became pretty clear that I hadn’t been born down the road. It all began when Andy Wilson, the Pastoral and Mission Manager, picked me up from Heathrow Airport. I was used to the great, long, wide-open – and right-side driving – roads of my Canadian homeland. So when it was time to get into Andy’s car I promptly aimed for the driver’s seat… Andy wondered where I was planning to drive him (and whether he would survive the experience). In the next few days, I also learned that crossing a road meant looking the OTHER way first, and that putting soymilk in my tea was going against the laws of nature – at least British ones.
But my biggest lesson in cultural differences came when I met the young people. I had come from a different world. Unlike many youth that come through Salmon’s doors, I had been lucky – a strong family structure, encouragement in school, mentors who helped me succeed at every step. At Salmon, I had a chance to give back, and my post-uni public service project enabled me to do so.
This first term has been a learning process of how to engage with young people. For a long time I was hesitant to take risks. The youth can love you or hate you – and you will know soon enough. However, I have seen how other youth workers help the kids create truly amazing things. At D:Session, showcases, and career events, I have seen youth blossom and give so much joy and passion without asking for anything in return. They have great potential, and I hope to use more of my skills in ballet, art, study sessions and writing to help them reach their full potential. Salmon has been kind enough to support me through the process.
As I go along, the kids teach me more and more. This ignorant Canadian has now played my first cricket match… maybe next time we’ll take a field trip to see the Queen? One can wish…
