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There and Back: Seeds of History

When was the last time you thought about history? Both the specifics and the concept of history as it’s taught in school. As a teenager, or even as a young adult, I don’t think I gave much thought to it, when I had to cram countless names and dates into my already overwhelmed brain.

Eline Mets—Filmmaker, poet, and RCIC ( www.vikingimmigration.ca )
Eline Mets—Filmmaker, poet, and RCIC ( www.vikingimmigration.ca )

It all seemed so distant, especially everything that came before the 1900s. Ancient history, right? Well it’s not so ancient to me. Not anymore.

How did that saying in Estonian go? "Kingsepp käib paljajalu"? Shoemakers walk barefoot indeed.

About a week ago I had to take the Canadian citizenship test. Finally, after 10 years of living in Canada, I am ready to make it official and commit to another passport. Having submitted many citizenship applications for my clients and not having gotten around to submitting my own—the irony is not lost on me. But then again, how did that saying in Estonian go? "Kingsepp käib paljajalu"? Shoemakers walk barefoot indeed.

I remember reassuring my clients who sent me panicked e-mails as they prepared for their citizenship tests. “It’s easy,” I would say, “Just read the book,” I encouraged them.

I had skimmed through the study guide and it seemed simple enough. Besides, all of the people I knew passed their exams, so I was not worried.

...when it came down to studying for my exam, I did not find it easy at all.

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