TRURO - Kendra Hood didn't waste any time getting to her new home on Monday morning.
The 17-year-old from Middle Musquodoboit left home to move into the residence of the Nova Scotia Community College Truro campus yesterday. Her excitement was evident as she woke up early, got the vehicle packed and by 1 p.m. had everything in her third floor single room on campus.
"I'm excited to be out on my own ... I feel grown up," Hood said as dozens of other students piled into Davis Hall at the NSCC around her. Orientation begins today at the college.
Hall will study human services for two years and specifically wanted to attend NSCC.
"I wanted to go to community college and this was the only one (nearby) with a residence. I wanted to see what it's like ... but getting organized is hectic!"
Despite the busy day, Hood said "everyone seems excited and friendly" which helped with the transition.
Also excited to get the school year underway is
Mackenzie Field, 20, of Advocate Harbour. His parents Tammy and Kenny helped him get moved into the NSCC's residence on the first floor.
"I didn't like the idea of living in an apartment and this is my first time on my own," said Mackenzie, who is considering business administration or human services as his specialty and who likes the social aspect of living in a dorm.
"I hate unpacking but I like the freedom."
Seeing how the "people are friendly" made the move easier for Tammy, who was nervous to see her son make the big move.
"We've been planning and setting it up for a year. I'm nervous but excited for him to accomplish this," said Tammy.
The Nova Scotia Agricultural College was welcoming people on the weekend as well.
Eli Whynot began studying plant science at the NSAC and goes into his second year at the facility as a Dalhousie University student.
"Aside from the name change and the logo it doesn't seem like a lot has changed," he said.
Whynot, who is from Liverpool, moved into Fraser House on Saturday. He is an orientation leader this year, greeting first-year students and making them feel welcome.
"Orientation leaders helped me last year and made the first week easier so I'm glad to be able to do that this year," he added.
Whynot spent his summer working for Parks Canada, removing an invasive species - the green crab - from Basin Lake. The crabs had torn up eel grass, resulting in drastically reduced numbers of mussels, lobsters and clams in the area, as well as a poor habitat for young fish.
The NSAC's orientation began Sunday and continues until Sept. 8. Classes begin on Sept. 5.
