Dear Atlantic Canada,

You are probably thinking… someone from the Maritimes moving elsewhere for work? I don’t know if that’s ever happened. But yet, here we are. After spending my entire life on the east coast, it’s time for change. And you know the saying — go big, or go home.

Earlier this week, following much deliberation, along with plenty of consulting with friends and family, I graciously accepted a job that will require me to move to Edmonton, Alberta. I start on August 22nd — just four days after I turn twenty-four.

After just over four years, and a handful of roles with my current employer, I felt it was due time for a change — but I knew that I didn’t want to abandon the aviation industry, if at all possible. After all, I’ve been here since I finished college here in Halifax, and I can honestly say I’ve loved every second of it.

Every crazy phone call, every night stuck in a hotel because of bad weather, spent with people who have become your extended family without you even having time to really notice it happening in front of your own eyes. There are so many memories that I’ve had the chance to be a part of in my life spent on the east coast, it would be impossible to name just a few.

Similar to that, I would be writing forever if I wanted to pick out just one or two people to thank — there are so many amazing people in my life, and I wish that I could say thank you to every single person before “leaving the nest”.

Throughout my childhood, schooling, career path; my entire life, really — I’ve been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by people who support me in every way possible. I know that’s not going to change, no matter how many time zones away I might be, but the main purpose of this entire write-up, right from the first word — you — is to say thanks.

I truly am so grateful for the connections I’ve made here on the east coast. Be it family, friends and everything in between. This change is one that I can honestly say I’m terrified of — but I’m confident that the time is right for this new chapter of my life to begin. And despite all the somewhat sad, sappy things I’ve written here, let me be crystal clear — I can’t wait to explore what Canada’s beautiful prairies have to offer.

So with all that — to clear skies, bright futures, and to coming back to the place that made me who I am, as often as possible. It’s not a “goodbye”, but a “see you soon.”

I love you, Atlantic Canada. You’ll always be home.