Transient Researcher to (Semi) Permanent Resident

Transient Researcher to (Semi) Permanent Resident

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Unlike Anubha, my migration northeast involved tentative baby steps rather than a giant leap of faith. So, instead of offering 8 Easy Steps, I thought I would share my story of how I transitioned from a transient researcher to a (semi) permanent resident.

Part 1: The Opportunity

I have always been intrigued by the Arctic (well, ever since I read Julie of the Wolves in grade four), but I never thought I would have the opportunity to actually go there. However, all of that changed when I started doing some preliminary scoping for my prospective graduate studies.

My search for a Master’s topic and supervisor was pragmatic at best. It went something like: 1) “Where do I want to live that can rival the west coast?” (Montreal or Halifax), 2) “Which programs offer funding?” (thesis-based rather than course-based), and 3) “What research project can keep me entertained for two years?” (one that involves travel and people).

It didn’t take long for me to find a reputable school, an amazing research group, and a personally fascinating thesis topic. The Climate Change Adaptation Research Group at McGill University focuses on how changing climatic conditions affect indigenous populations. My research topic would look at how changing sea ice conditions affect Inuit hunters’ ability to harvest wildlife, and how that affects community members’ ability to obtain country food. My study location would bring me to Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Part 2: The Offer

Over my two-year degree, I was incredibly lucky to visit Iqaluit five times. I forged wonderful friendships, I went hunting at the floe edge, I was taught how to build an igloo, I braved many nights at Old Res, and I learned to love this once-foreign place.

My fifth and final trip up north was bittersweet. I was happy to have completed my thesis (on time – a miracle), but I was sad to be likely leaving forever (or at least until I could afford the airfare – after back-to-back degrees that seemed like eternity). My final trip provided me with an opportunity to share my research findings with the community that had shared so much with me. It also provided me with an unanticipated job offer.

Part 3: The Simple Secret

Although I had already managed to navigate through Anubha’s first five steps as a transient researcher, the impending transition to a (semi) permanent resident was a daunting one. With my Vancouver Island home being 3,500 kilometers and a $3,000 airplane ticket away, I knew I would be sacrificing a lot.

Then I had an epiphany. It was not particularly profound, yet it filled me with a tremendous amount of ease. It was this:

Living up north offers more opportunities than it requires sacrifices.

Simple, no? But it was in this moment that I suddenly understood everything in a very clear way. Sure, I might not be able to ride my bike along farmers’ fields, or go salmon fishing with my parents, or enjoy the basic day-to-day activities that I miss so much. However, I am able to snowmobile along the endless sea ice, celebrate the 24-hour twilight of the summer solstice, and watch the northern lights dance across the sky.

Northern Lights

Part 4: The Take-Home Message

Sometimes I think about all the things I have missed back home while I have been in Nunavut. But then I think about all the things I would have missed in Nunavut if I would have been back home.

For me, for now, it’s all worth it.

 

Photo credit to Graham McDowell for the first two photos.

20 Comments on “Transient Researcher to (Semi) Permanent Resident”

    • Sara

      I’m glad you liked it, Steph! I hope everything is worth it for you, too. (It better be, because I want you to stick around).

      Reply ↓
  • Anna

    Sara sounds like you ve had some awesome experiences. Maybe I will run into you in the north one of these days :) I’ve been thinking it would be neat to do some nursing up that way!

    Reply ↓
    • Sara

      Yes, Anna! That would be awesome. You’d fit right in up here. There are lots of opportunities for nurses. Let me know if you ever need some contact names – I know people who know people ;)

      Reply ↓
    • Sara

      Thanks, Thurka! Anubha did such a good job with her “how I got here” post so I wasn’t sure what to write about… I’m glad you like it, and I’m glad Anubha likes me. Haha.

      Reply ↓
  • Thurka

    Anubha and you both had different tales, and they were enjoyable to read. AND I AM SWELL THANK YOU, haha.

    Reply ↓
  • Gustavo

    Moo. Wait, we have no cows here. raaaaaaah-bop-cookoo (think ravens…)

    No but really, good post, different story than most people. I wish I had a job offer right out of my Master’s!

    Also this layout is pretty sweet!

    Reply ↓
    • Sara

      I’ve heard a lot of different raven noises in the past few years, but “raaaaaah-bop-cookoo” is extra special.

      Reply ↓
  • Shaner(yourbestyfromthewesty)

    That was beautifully written! I believe firmly in the fact that you are gaining valuable experiences wherever you reside. Our travels shape who we are and what we believe. Right now you are experiencing something that will change your life forever and luckily for you, those experiences will travel back with you to BC. It doesn’t matter where you are living; it is what you are gaining from where you are. We get to come home every couple years changed for the better from the culture, people, and experiences that we faced during our travels. I’ve known you for many years and seeing you this summer showed me truly who you are and how lucky you are to have had this exposure to the “True North.” People are constantly changing due to their environment and for you it has been for the better.

    Remember this my love:
    -You can always go home. And, home will always be there for you.
    -The people, culture and landscape will be waiting to give you new and happy experiences.
    -You are truly one of the lucky ones who will have lived your life knowing you took risks to follow your dreams, and by doing so your life will be fulfilled with endless happiness.
    -You will have a new arsenal of skills, outlooks, beliefs, and experiences that will guide you throughout the rest of your life.
    -Once again, home will always be there, so dive deep into the life that surrounds you.
    -Most importantly—>>>>> I love you with all my heart and that love will only grow the longer I have you in my life.

    Closing questions:

    1) We travelling to a hot destination this year?

    Love, Shaner

    Reply ↓
    • Sara

      Shane, I can always count on you for some comfort, advice, and inspiration. All of your words are so thoughtful – it seems to me that being away from “home” has offered you a lot of perspective as well! From Nunavut to China, we are living similar experiences – just on opposite ends of the earth. We are quite the lucky duo. I’m heading home for Christmas. It may not be a “hot destination” but at least it’s a “temperate (not frozen) climate.” You better be there. Yeeeah buddy!

      Reply ↓

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