It is not uncommon for students graduating from high school to take some time off as they transition to the next chapter in their life.
But Victoria Wee is taking a unique approach to her "gap year."
The Port Moody secondary school grad is travelling to the Arctic as part of the Students On Ice expedition that began this week. Wee will join 65 international students and 40 scientists, Aboriginal leaders, historians, artists, writers and innovators on board an ice-class expedition vessel.
"I am very excited to journey to the Arctic as it is one of the only places left in our world that is still wild," Wee said in an email. "For me, the Arctic is at once full of uncertainty and yet still full of beauty."
The group will explore Iceland, Greenland, Northern Labrador and the northern reaches of Nunavik while students learn about wildlife and the dynamics of climate change.
The 17-year-old from Coquitlam will get the opportunity to participate in shore landings, hiking to many remote communities along the route and supplementing her knowledge with classroom activities onboard the vessel.
Organizers of the expedition hope to connect students to the natural world and foster a greater understanding and respect for a part of the planet many people never see.
The program is in its tenth year and has seen more than 1,600 high school and university students from 40 countries participate over the last decade.
More than 80% of expedition participants are funded through non-governmental organizations, government agencies and corporate partners.
