First off – we would like to wish a happy 30th birthday to this champ right here!! 🎂🎈🎉

My name is Dan Northgraves, and I began my journey as a Champion in 2016. My journey continued in 2017 and 2018 as Dr. Jo’s Teaching Assistant, handyman/mechanic, and personal cook. When I left for UBC I wasn’t sure if I would be back again, but fortunately was able to be a part of the team once more in 2019 as a UBC teacher Candidate.

Prior to my time in Antigua I had been struggling with whether or not I should become a teacher. Many of my friends who had gone before me recommended I should try to be a part of the program as it would help me decide what I wanted to do. I now sit here as a high school teacher, loving my job and missing those students too.

My time on the island has changed my life forever with so many memories and experiences I hold close to my heart. One of my my absolute favourite memories on the island was having one of my lessons interrupted by a herd of goats being led across the community field. If you think it’s hard to hold the attention of 25 students in a classroom normally just imagine that multiplied by about 1000. Absolute chaos… but also amazing! Jennings Primary will always hold one of the larger pieces of my heart that are scattered across the island.