Jennifer Williams is a 13-year-old middle school student. She spoke with Checkup guest host Duncan McCue about her experiences as a student in the North and the challenges she sees. (Jesse Unaapik Mike, who has worked with young people in Nunavut all her life, then follows with her comments.)

Duncan McCue: What do we do to make sure that young people in the North have a strong future? Do you have any views on that as a young person yourself?

Jennifer Williams: Not everybody wakes up to a supportive family. They don't feel confident.

DM: When you talk about some of your fellow classmates who don't feel so confident when they come to school, what kind of things do you see, Jennifer?

JW: A lot of people don't go home to a cooked meal. And they don't get asked how their day was. They might not feel that [supported].

DM: We were hearing from some of the older guests that they didn't feel like what the teachers were teaching them really applied. How do you feel today being in class? Do you feel like what you're learning in school applies to your life?

JW: It does. But sometimes we have to get told that we have to be confident. And that we can do this.

DM: What's your favorite thing in school, Jennifer.

JW: I like math.

DM: What would you like to be when you grow up?

JW: A professional photographer.

DM: If you could give just one piece of advice to the to the adults here in the room about the kinds of things that kids that are 13 need, what would you say to them, Jennifer?

JW: I'd tell them to ask how the students are doing at home and tell them that they can do it.

DM: Thank you very much, Jennifer, for sharing.