It’s been a week of denial here at the BYTE office. Matthew Got has been interning with us since September, and no one seems to want to admit that he’ll be heading back to Ontario on Tuesday. It’s not uncommon for someone to pipe up say, “Matt, you’re not leaving, right?†or “Matt, when you’re back in the Yukon…†at least twice  a day.
While we all wrap our heads around what the office will look like without him, Matt’s been busy reflecting on his time in Whitehorse and his work at BYTE. Here’s what he has to say:
The Story of BYTE
To those of you that have frequented the BYTE office anytime between the start of September and now, you would have been sure to meet me.
For those that have not, I am a global health student visiting from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario interested in seeing social determinants of health in the North. Essentially what goes into building a healthy community. Armed with a suitcase full of disposable HotHands, my down jacket, and my notebook to log my observations, I braved my way up to Whitehorse not knowing what to expect.
In the hopes of convincing me to extend my stay, my colleagues are quick to remind me that coming to the Yukon as summer wound down and leaving before the winter festivities kick off, my visit occupies the quietest season of the events calendar. However, I did not find it quiet at BYTE at all! I have participated in many exciting projects.
After a warm and hospitable welcome, Chris and the team were quick to put me to work throughout September on their Climate Change & Photography project. My assignment entailed looking at how climate change impacts the lives of youth in the North. I researched a wide variety of topics from food security, to transportation, to how the changes in the land affect traditional activities. The project culminated in the team facilitating workshops in the far north communities of Inuvik and Old Crow.
We shifted gears in October, focusing our attention on premiering our brand new Digital Citizenship workshop. After facilitating the workshops in both Haines Junction and here in Whitehorse, I was shocked by how interconnected youth were to each other via the web. I had not previously considered that positive digital engagement contributes to building healthier communities for youth, but this workshop was evidence.
Fast-forward to November and I found myself immersed in our MOVE workshop series. These workshops were centered on tackling the multifaceted issue of violence in the Yukon through peers sharing their experiences, activities, and developing new skills like video making. Working with the youth participants was one of the most rewarding aspects of my time with BYTE. To the participants reading this, thank you for allowing me to connect with you.
Looking back, I remember the leaves changing vivid shades of orange and red. Seemingly, in a matter of seconds, the snow started falling and suddenly I wake to the reality of getting slapped by cold wind and my semester with BYTE nearing its end. The HotHands and my down jacket are now staples to my daily attire and my notebook is overflowing with new insights. I am sincerely grateful to the staff at BYTE for hosting me and providing me this incredible growth and learning experience!
Thank you so much for your work, Matt! It’s been invaluable to us, and, if this isn’t obvious already, we’ll gladly welcome you back to the Yukon any time!