Tired, grateful, proud: Photo assignment -- Abigail Penney-Wiseman

August 21, 2026

Abigail Penney-Wiseman, AVC 2027, travelled to Port Hope Simpson as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing.

Chinook students 2026 - Abby N, Abby P, Ryan, Emily and Sam

This photo was taken on the beach in beautiful Port Hope Simpson, Labrador, after we had finished our last day of clinic for Chinook 2026. After participating in Indigenous Day festivities, we stayed on the beach skipping rocks and watching the sunset. At first glance, it may look like a simple group photo, but to me, it represents so much more about our experience in Labrador.

The trip came with many highs and lows. Six days of working in a rural veterinary clinic brought long days, new challenges, moments of uncertainty, and experiences that pushed each of us outside our comfort zones. Through all of it, however, our team consistently showed up for one another. We supported each other when things were difficult, celebrated the good moments together, and always made time to laugh and have fun. By the end of the trip, we had developed a sense of trust and friendship that went far beyond simply being classmates.

That evening on the beach felt like a chance to finally pause and appreciate what we had accomplished together. After the intensity of the clinic, there was something special about being able to slow down, enjoy the beautiful town we were visiting, and simply spend time together. It was a peaceful ending to an incredible, jam-packed week.

When I look at this photo now, I feel a strong sense of nostalgia and warmth. I think about how much we experienced in such a short period of time and how quickly five students became a close-knit team. More importantly, I now see the people in this picture as close friends. This photo reminds me that one of the most meaningful parts of my experience on Chinook was not just the veterinary work or the places we visited, but the people I shared it with.

For me, this picture captures the feeling of that final evening: tired, grateful, proud, and surrounded by the most wonderful team.