OH Canada- My Love Flourishes for Thee in the Spring!

I am slowly starting to realize that the end of the semester is near inspiring reflection as well as stimulating me to get out and do more in the short time I have left. I’ve realized that my peers as well as I have picked up many Canadian habits. Poutine is now a part of our weekly diet, we say “merci” at the end of a conversation even if we’re speaking to another American, and inevitably we all have been guilty of muttering an “eh?” here or there. But this experience has been much more to me than picking up a couple Canadian habits; this experience has opened my eyes to international relations, cultural experiences, and an educational experience that is extended beyond the books and the classroom.

I know I always talk about my Canadian Social History class, but I can’t say enough good things about it! In the curriculum back at home, usually by our junior or senior year we would be taking American Social History, but taking a history from the point of view of another country honestly helps me learn more about my own country and where it stands in the eyes of other countries. The class isn’t just about dates and names, as the course name suggests you learn about the social aspect behind why certain events happened, and what the effects it had on the future. That class paired with my Cultural Immersion class has made for a very culturally educational experience, and I feel like I now understand the origins of the culture and have a greater appreciation than I would have otherwise.

Speaking of understanding and appreciating the culture, yesterday we went to what is known as “Cabine a Sucre” or what is commonly known as a sugar shack. This is not your average cabine in the woods where a lot of machines produce delicious maple syrup, it’s an experience that submerses you into the Canadian culture. We started off by exploring the barn which housed horses, goats, cats, chickens, and ducks (anyone who knows me knows how excited I was!) Then we went on a sled ride to the Cabine where we sat down for a family style meal of mostly breakfast foods that are maple syrup inspired. Once we were finished eating a group of girls came out in costume and taught the group how to line dance. We finished the night off with maple syrup lollipops and dancing in the Cabine’s “disco”. Everyone on the trip had a great time, but to my it was a the experience hit a little closer to home. You may not know but even though I was born in the US I am Canadian since my mom was born and grew up in a Canada. Before I went on the trip I spoke with her who told me that when she was my age she use to go to Cabine a Sucre’s all the time, so it was kind of nice to experience something that my mom use to do and get a taste of what it was like for her growing up. All in all, it was a fun cultural experience, one that I had never experienced before and would be excited to do again.

In the final weeks to come I hope to experience as much as I can, the last thing I want to do is go home and feel as if I’ve missed out some how. If you know of something you think I should do that I haven’t yet, please contact me, I would love to hear some feedback!