Leaving Vancouver for Terrace
Drawn to the opportunity to work with dietitians in Northern BC, I left Vancouver and relocated to Terrace for my dietetics population and public health placement. Without knowing what to expect in the North, my friend and I made the road trip from Vancouver to Terrace. I was excited to see parts of “Beautiful BC,” but also worried about adapting to a place I had never been. Now that I done my placement, I would like to share some of my experience and lessons I have learnt along the way after taking the leap into the unknown.
Navigating the North
As someone without a vehicle, my biggest question before coming to Northern BC was how I would get around. Fortunately, the bus schedule in Terrace fit well with my work schedule, and the bus stop was only a three-minute walk from my dorm. Even though there was no public transit on Sundays, my preceptors and friends were more than happy to pick me up and drive me where I needed to go. Overhearing conversations at the cafes and farmers’ market, I got a sense that there was a strong sense of community there, and it was a place where everyone tried their best to support each other.
Cultural connection through food
My second question was about accessing cultural foods in the North, as food has always been an important way for me to connect to my culture. Although there were not a lot of options for pre-made and convenient Cantonese foods in Terrace, I readily found raw ingredients and condiments for preparing Cantonese dishes at home. During my stay I made my comfort food, a Cantonese dessert called mango sago, to share with the dietitians in Terrace and Kitimat. I have never made my own mango sago before, but gathering the ingredients and making this dessert in Terrace made the experience special, and I found joy in sharing my cultural foods with others.
Food access and the privilege of choice
Moving to the North opened my eyes to the privileges I had long taken for granted when it came to food access. During the road trip, I began noticing the landscape more intentionally - like the different types of trees and the haunting remains of wildfires. Seeing the charred forests made me reflect on how climate events like wildfires can disrupt food systems and deepen food insecurity in Northern communities. This experience added a new layer of meaning to what I had learned in the classroom. It reminded me that as a future dietitian, I must consider not only the principles of nutrition but also how geography, climate, and community support impacts people’s ability to eat well.
My short stay in Terrace also brought personal insights; I found it difficult to bulk-buy food to save costs, which made me realize that this common strategy is a privilege to larger, more urban communities. As well, not everyone has the financial flexibility, storage space, or the transportation needed to make it work, which is another important consideration I will carry with me into my future practice.
Connecting with nature
Living in Terrace meant being farther from the comforts of city life, but it brought me closer to nature in ways I never expected. On sunny days after work, I often found myself unwinding at the beach, letting the scenery calm both my body and mind. The slower pace helped me tune into the present moment - like finding peace in the sound of crickets chirping, which surprisingly helped me focus and reflect. Through these quiet moments, I discovered a growing love for nature, one that helped me reconnect with myself and feel more grounded in the world around me.
Carrying lessons forward
This experience reminded me that meaningful connections and learning can happen in the most unexpected places. I would encourage anyone who is hesitating a journey to the North to come with an open heart and a willingness to learn. As I continue on my journey to become a dietitian, I carry with me the lessons of adaptability, empathy, and the importance of community - values that were generously shared with me during my time in Northern BC.
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