THUNDER BAY - Coming to a new city can be a daunting and stressful experience, especially if you are still in high school and it’s your first time leaving home.
“We grew up in a community where everybody knows everybody and we don’t know around here and it’s good to learn,” said Brianna Goodman, a Grade 12 student at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School.
“It seems easier to get around now,” added Grade 10 student, Harmony Fiddler.
Brianna and Harmony, both from Sandy Lake First Nation, were just two DFC students who had the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the city and how to use public transit during the Wake the Giant Amazing Race.
The race had teams of students stopping at various businesses and locations throughout the city who are taking part in the Wake the Giant initiative. At each stop they had to complete challenges before moving on to the next.
“It is part of the Wake the Giant orientation,” said Matthew Tilbury, transition coordinator with DFC. “It is the Amazing Race so it is the kick-off to that event. We have teams from some of our northern communities, students from the Lakehead District School Board, along with their international students, and current DFC students, racing around town and stopping at various organizations who have signed up to participate and getting used to using Thunder Bay Transit.”
Tilbury added that it allows students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with businesses and organizations around town that are taking part in Wake the Giant, a cultural awareness initiative that identifies inclusive spaces throughout the city.
“It’s definitely a learning opportunity for all the students who are in town along with our current DFC students just to learn how to navigate Thunder Bay Transit, become familiar with some of the organizations and service providers around town, and just have fun day interacting with one another,” he said.
One of the stops was at Marina Park, where teams of students took selfies in front of the Sleeping Giant and helped get the grounds ready for the Wake the Giant Music Festival on Saturday.
“So far it seems like they are having a great time,” Tilbury said. “It’s a little chilly and windy, but they are pushing through and making it a fun day.”
Each student who participated in the Amazing Race also received a Wake the Giant t-shirt and will receive free admission to the Musical Festival.
The Sleeping Giant Music Festival opens on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. at Marina Park. For more information visit the Wake the Giant website.
