Dylan MacDonnell

Young people, on the verge of adulthood, have many decisions to make. They must decide whether to enroll in College or University, enter the work world or learn a trade. They must also choose where they will study, live and eventually work. Northern Ontario is an attractive option for all youth.

I am a 20 year old youth who was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario. I am presently enrolled at Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario in the Chemical Engineering Technology program. I chose to study in Sudbury so that I can remain close to home and to my Northern Ontario roots. When I graduate from college, I would like to work as a Water Treatment Plant operator. I care about the environment that I live in. Northern Ontario has always had a lot to offer and it is definitely a privilege to be able to enjoy it. I want to continue enjoying and contributing to a clean and healthy environment for many years to come. My career choice will help me accomplish this.

Growing up in a Northern Ontario town has been quite a positive experience. As a child, I was able to enroll in neighborhood schools. This allowed me to walk to and from school with my friends. Participating in extra curricular activities was never a problem. I didn't have to worry about the possibility of missing the school bus. There was always a parent who was available to drive us home if it was too late to walk. The greatest advantage to living in Timmins is the abundance of choices a youth has to pass the time. This wonderful city has many things to offer youth. We have access to half a dozen indoor arenas that are always open and available for us to practice or play hockey. We are extremely proud of our cross-country skiing trails and our downhill ski resort. Sports in this fine city are abundant. A person can participate in lacrosse, soccer, golf, hockey or ringette. Summers are just as pleasant, boasting many beautiful lakes and parks in close proximity to our homes and work.

When my sister and I were young, my parents, who were also born and raised in Timmins, decided that they wanted us to visit all of Canada during our summer vacations. We took our tent trailer and traveled to the East Coast and then to the West. I have seen the Rockies, swam in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and visited the Prairies. We saw and experienced many wonderful attractions in this fine country of ours, but my heart belongs in Northern Ontario.

Once I graduate from college and find employment, I would like to purchase a cottage near one of the hundreds of lakes in the area. For me, living in Northern Ontario means being able to finish a week of work and drive a very short distance to get to my cottage where I could then barbecue my supper and go for a boat ride before settling in for the night. The sound of loons would lull me to sleep. Being able to spend a weekend camping, hunting or fishing without traveling long distances is a huge advantage to living in the north. Where else can a person find such an abundance of lakes and parks at their doorstep?

Northern Ontario is also a goldmine of various employment opportunities. A youth can choose to work in a trade such as millwright, mechanic, electrician or plumber. Finding a job in one of these trades is made easier thanks to the giant lumber and mining industry in the north. If a young person decides to become a teacher, the employment opportunities in Timmins itself are very promising. The city has many elementary schools, five high schools, two colleges and a university. There is definitely a demand for professionals such as pharmacists, dentists and doctors. Timmins District Hospital itself offers a wide berth of opportunities in the health field. I believe that no matter what a person decides as their career choice, working in the north is quite possible and feasible.

Young people who enjoy arts and entertainment will find a wide selection of venues in Timmins. Our two theatre troupes offer plenty of opportunities for young people. They are always looking for volunteer actors, stagehands and prop artists. For the musically inclined, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra and Youth Singers are a force to beckon with. There is definitely an abundance of musical talent in our youth. The success of the recent Timmins Music Festival will prove this.

When all is said and done, living and working in Northern Ontario can be a dream come true. I would encourage all youth to choose Northern Ontario as a place to live and work. The possibilities for a good life are limitless and definitely worth a try.