The dreaded day of departure had finally arrived; the 29th of July, also known as waterworks day. Most of us at Laval stayed up the whole night. After the amazing performances at the Open Day celebration the day before, we headed back to residence to spend our last night together. I went up to my room to pack my luggage. It was about 12:05 AM as my roommate and I simply dumped our clothes into our suitcases in a hurry. Soon there was a knock on our door and Valeria stood in the doorway with my monthbook. We rushed down to the dance room in the basement where most of the Shads were on the floor signing each others' monthbooks. It was an overwhelming experience having almost 50 people in one room scribbling their thoughts/feelings and yelling "IM DONE! DOES ANYONE HAVE ANOTHER MONTHBOOK!" What's more depressing was the fact that mostly slow songs were being played on the speakers. After a while some Shads simply could not take it anymore and had to go to bed. Others went to the laundry room to do laundry, while some went to the recreation room to play ping pong and sign monthbooks there. After writing in half of the books I was exhausted and did not want to write anymore. It was like writing an essay for most of us procrastinating Shads; up past midnight, drinking coffee too keep our drooping eyes wide open, the difference was that we wanted to write and had many emotions to share. My message to each person was unique because each of these wonderful people moved me in a special way. Before we knew it, the time was 6:00 AM and the first 2 people had to leave. Hugs all around, tears falling down; it was an emotional time for all. Soon after, some Shads called a cab and left because they could not deal with the emotions. I missed their departure as I went up to check if I had packed everything. I came downstairs and discovered that my cab which was supposed to arrive at 8 was rescheduled to pick me up at 9. I walked around trying to comfort those who were crying and I lied on the couch and took a short nap. I was suddenly woken up by Bryan (a program assistant) who asked for my keys and meal card and told me that the cab had arrived. I was dazed and thought that I was dreaming. I could not believe my Shad journey had actually come to an end as I hugged the sobbing Shads at the door. I was in the cab with Meagan, Midori and Judy, and as we drove in somewhat of a silence I realized that it was truly over, I was not dreaming. I had to accept that we would all never be in the same place at the same time ever again. It was time for me to pop my Shad bubble and enter back into the real world. We checked in at the airport, caught our flight and soon we were on our way back to Toronto. I was greeted at the airport by my parents whom I dearly love for sending me to Shad. I am extremely glad that I got to spend my month of July at Laval University with some of the most incredible youth in Canada. Thank you all at Laval (especially the staff) for enriching my Shad Valley experience and making it one of the most memorable months of my life. I miss you all already and wish you guys the best if luck in whatever you choose to pursue. Remember it is not good bye for us at Laval, it is au revoir (until we meet again).
Mervyn Mendonca, Shad Valley Université Laval'11
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Friday, July 29, 2011
July 29 - Day 27
We've all been gone from campus barely 5 hours as of my writing this, and I still don't think it's really set in yet. Today really started at 11:00pm last night with the end of our Variety Show. We all ran back to our rooms to pack everything within an hour. Needless to say, much panic ensued, and when that dust settled, we had to clean up after all of the Open Day stuff, from posters to signs to chairs and more.
We then went on a silent walk to reflect on our month and all that had happened to us, sharing what we thought being at Shad meant to each of us. Afterwards we all came back to the residence, where we sat down, got our monthbooks and proceeded to spend the rest of the night/morning signing everyone's autograph pages. Finally we stumbled outside and watched the sunrise over the St. John river.
Throughout this entire experience, we had been clinging on to every last shred of sleep we could get, and yet on this last day we gave all of that up for a few more hours with each other. And it was totally worth it!
I want to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to all the P.A.s for their hard work in making sure that we didn't miss a minute of the Shad experience. I also want to extend a massive thank you to our Program Directors, Ian Fogarty and Dhirendra Shukla, for all the hard work they put in to designing the spectacular program we've had this month, finding us all those incredible lecturers and creating a fun-filled, if stressful, schedule for us every day.
As we look back on the month we've had here at UNB -- building robots, designing Rube Goldberg machines, learning the ins and outs of the stock market, working tirelessly on our CT projects, and learning about exploding dinosaurs -- I can't help but think about the importance of what we've all been through here. Everything you do in life changes what happens to you, changes the course your life will take, and though it's usually something small like turning left or turning right at a crossroads, sometimes it's something bigger. Shad was an absolutely massive change, and to have been a part of this experience, and to have it change us the way it did, words could never do justice to what this whole month has meant to us, now and into the future. We started this month as 58 high-schoolers -- confused, bewildered, and a little nervous -- but we leave here as 58 Shads, and that's something that I wouldn't change for the world.
Alex Perelgut, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick '11
Hometown: Etobicoke, ON
We then went on a silent walk to reflect on our month and all that had happened to us, sharing what we thought being at Shad meant to each of us. Afterwards we all came back to the residence, where we sat down, got our monthbooks and proceeded to spend the rest of the night/morning signing everyone's autograph pages. Finally we stumbled outside and watched the sunrise over the St. John river.
Throughout this entire experience, we had been clinging on to every last shred of sleep we could get, and yet on this last day we gave all of that up for a few more hours with each other. And it was totally worth it!
I want to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to all the P.A.s for their hard work in making sure that we didn't miss a minute of the Shad experience. I also want to extend a massive thank you to our Program Directors, Ian Fogarty and Dhirendra Shukla, for all the hard work they put in to designing the spectacular program we've had this month, finding us all those incredible lecturers and creating a fun-filled, if stressful, schedule for us every day.
As we look back on the month we've had here at UNB -- building robots, designing Rube Goldberg machines, learning the ins and outs of the stock market, working tirelessly on our CT projects, and learning about exploding dinosaurs -- I can't help but think about the importance of what we've all been through here. Everything you do in life changes what happens to you, changes the course your life will take, and though it's usually something small like turning left or turning right at a crossroads, sometimes it's something bigger. Shad was an absolutely massive change, and to have been a part of this experience, and to have it change us the way it did, words could never do justice to what this whole month has meant to us, now and into the future. We started this month as 58 high-schoolers -- confused, bewildered, and a little nervous -- but we leave here as 58 Shads, and that's something that I wouldn't change for the world.
Alex Perelgut, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick '11
Hometown: Etobicoke, ON
July 29 - Day 27
The last day of Shad Valley Lakehead 2011 didn't ever begin. The preceding day continued until the moment the first two Shads to depart left at 5 am. The moment the Lakehead Shads were separated represented, for me, the end of Shad Valley. That is why I choose to write, this ''last day'' of Shad Valley, about a few special memories made and lessons learned this month.
There was perhaps no moment that I enjoyed most at Shad Valley than the moment my team exited the Shad Cup presentation room. The moment was one of pure relief and of pride.
There was something special, something touching about seeing the friends we had been with through the highs and lows of the experience don their finest attire and deliver business presentations with professionalism. It made me take a step back and realize that, wow, my fellow Shads were an impressive bunch! They were inspiring individuals that I could learn from and that I had in fact already learned from.
My fellow Shads helped me handle an issue I had been struggling with recently, as a new university student. A first year of university marked by stellar results, but even more so by sleep deprivation and frustration left me wondering if my weaknesses -a limited supply of energy and overwhelming test anxiety- would keep me from achieving my goals. I attributed my success during the year to motivation and zeal for what I do. However, it seemed to me that if I didn't keep running a never-ending marathon, I would ruin everything. It worried me that perhaps at some point motivation wouldn't be enough. I wondered if I should accept that my mere humanity would warrant my eventual failure.
Shad Valley taught me that even the most amazing star students -the concert musicians, the teen serial entrepreneurs, the kids who take all at math competitions- were just as human as I was. In the writing of the Shad Cup business plan, my Shad Cup Group had many ups and downs, but we nevertheless were able to write a business plan that garnered us the ''Best Business Plan'' award. My Shad Cup Group was made stronger by overcoming difficulties. Through the Shad Valley experience, I realized that I had legitimate strengths and that the weaknesses I had wouldn't hinder my success. Rather, weaknesses might help me become better. Taking a water break in the middle of the marathon would benefit me. This is just one of the lessons I have learned at Shad Valley.
I know that I will continue learning from my experiences as a Shad, even though my plane pierced through the clouds hovering over Thunder Bay, Ontario this afternoon. A month wasn't long enough to absorb all the new life experiences that I was exposed to at Shad Valley. Shad Valley has already changed the way I edit a paper (Perfection! The Shad Cup judges will see this.), give a high-5 (Watch the elbow!), and feel about pulling all-nighters (I can do it!). However, it will change so much more as time goes on. How could it not, when I have felt my perspective on life itself slowly evolving all month long into something more clear and more reassuring? When the people I have met at Shad are promising life-long friends? I feel that I will look back on Shad in future years, not just as one of the most memorable summers of my life, but also as the beginning of a new era in my life.
Shad was an action-packed socializing marathon that I would live forever if I could, but I am ready to go home now and dive back into the real world. I am ready to kick-start my post-Shad life.
Aurelie Pare, Shad Valley Lakehead'11
Hometown: Moncton, NB
There was perhaps no moment that I enjoyed most at Shad Valley than the moment my team exited the Shad Cup presentation room. The moment was one of pure relief and of pride.
There was something special, something touching about seeing the friends we had been with through the highs and lows of the experience don their finest attire and deliver business presentations with professionalism. It made me take a step back and realize that, wow, my fellow Shads were an impressive bunch! They were inspiring individuals that I could learn from and that I had in fact already learned from.
My fellow Shads helped me handle an issue I had been struggling with recently, as a new university student. A first year of university marked by stellar results, but even more so by sleep deprivation and frustration left me wondering if my weaknesses -a limited supply of energy and overwhelming test anxiety- would keep me from achieving my goals. I attributed my success during the year to motivation and zeal for what I do. However, it seemed to me that if I didn't keep running a never-ending marathon, I would ruin everything. It worried me that perhaps at some point motivation wouldn't be enough. I wondered if I should accept that my mere humanity would warrant my eventual failure.
Shad Valley taught me that even the most amazing star students -the concert musicians, the teen serial entrepreneurs, the kids who take all at math competitions- were just as human as I was. In the writing of the Shad Cup business plan, my Shad Cup Group had many ups and downs, but we nevertheless were able to write a business plan that garnered us the ''Best Business Plan'' award. My Shad Cup Group was made stronger by overcoming difficulties. Through the Shad Valley experience, I realized that I had legitimate strengths and that the weaknesses I had wouldn't hinder my success. Rather, weaknesses might help me become better. Taking a water break in the middle of the marathon would benefit me. This is just one of the lessons I have learned at Shad Valley.
I know that I will continue learning from my experiences as a Shad, even though my plane pierced through the clouds hovering over Thunder Bay, Ontario this afternoon. A month wasn't long enough to absorb all the new life experiences that I was exposed to at Shad Valley. Shad Valley has already changed the way I edit a paper (Perfection! The Shad Cup judges will see this.), give a high-5 (Watch the elbow!), and feel about pulling all-nighters (I can do it!). However, it will change so much more as time goes on. How could it not, when I have felt my perspective on life itself slowly evolving all month long into something more clear and more reassuring? When the people I have met at Shad are promising life-long friends? I feel that I will look back on Shad in future years, not just as one of the most memorable summers of my life, but also as the beginning of a new era in my life.
Shad was an action-packed socializing marathon that I would live forever if I could, but I am ready to go home now and dive back into the real world. I am ready to kick-start my post-Shad life.
Aurelie Pare, Shad Valley Lakehead'11
Hometown: Moncton, NB
Thursday, July 28, 2011
July 28 - Day 26
For the past few weeks, I've set my alarm to six AM so I can give myself an hour to sleep in, and then eventually roll out of bed at seven-thirty, get ready in about ten minutes and race down to breakfast. Today I actually woke up at six and laid awake in bed for about an hour, just thinking about the day ahead. Today was the second last day of Shad Valley, our Open Day, and really the finale to the wonderful four weeks we've had together before tomorrow morning, which is absolutely sure to be a steady flow of tears from the moment we wake up to the moment we get on the plane.
Open day was mentioned more than any other event over the duration of the program, and with good reason -this is the day that our parents, our lecturers, professors, and even complete strangers, will come to see exactly what Shad Valley is all about. I think Shads across the country were all meticulously preparing CT boards, posters and variety show acts, but at Shad Valley UNB our program directors decided to give us total carte blanche for the reception, banquet and variety show. It seemed like such an opportunity at first to be able to organize our own open day, but I can tell you that it quickly became, for lack of better description, a gong show. Last night encompassed a very bumpy dress rehearsal filled with cracking up mid-act by the performers (I did it too, so no judgment), the program having to be redesigned about four times and an absolute cacophony of about five or six computers all blasting music for people to practice to. Suffice to say, it didn't look like today was going to go too well, especially as my three fellow MCs and I had barely started on a script that was supposed to cover from five all the way to eleven PM.
This morning was a whirlwind of last-minute practicing, running around for gluesticks to finish posters and, of course, delicious pancakes for our last breakfast at meal hall. After a quick lunch and chaos in the girls' hall as we all rushed to get ready (as overweight as we all were on our baggage, apparently we still had to borrow things off other people), Open Day kicked off at one PM with everyone milling around the CT projects, Rube Goldberg machines, lecture posters and a giant world map that marked where each and every Shad had been born. It was so fun to get to see everyone's parents being led around and the guests going from booth to booth, and of course there was an incredible sense of accomplishment looking back on all that we've done over the past month.
The reception and banquet started after a short walk to the student union building, and I have to say that I think for a last-minute patch job, us MCs did the Shads justice. With only a few minor hiccups, the banquet ran pretty smoothly with some sentimental PA thank-yous, a few amazing guest speakers, scrumptious chocolate cake and a general air of excitement and accomplishment. The 'Shad Valley graduation ceremony' was particularly momentous for us Shads; it simultaneously represented a month of hard work and growth but at the same time marked the end of an unbelievable experience.
Our variety show was the perfect way to end open day. Everyone changed into their white-on-purple Shad UNB t-shirts and we saw an amazing three hours of singing, dancing, speeches and instrumental performances, punctuated by bad MC jokes and culminating in a whole-group rendition of "Time of Your Life", which I know will make me cry the next time I hear it. There have been so many memories made in the short four weeks we've been here, so many lessons learned and so many great friendships forged. It's actually July 30th as I'm finishing this, which doesn't say much about my punctuality, but the last twelve hours of Shad Valley definitely took precedence. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this community, and I know it doesn't end here. The Shad legacy will continue on for years to come, and the bonds between everyone will only strengthen over time.
Yuting Pan, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick'11
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Open day was mentioned more than any other event over the duration of the program, and with good reason -this is the day that our parents, our lecturers, professors, and even complete strangers, will come to see exactly what Shad Valley is all about. I think Shads across the country were all meticulously preparing CT boards, posters and variety show acts, but at Shad Valley UNB our program directors decided to give us total carte blanche for the reception, banquet and variety show. It seemed like such an opportunity at first to be able to organize our own open day, but I can tell you that it quickly became, for lack of better description, a gong show. Last night encompassed a very bumpy dress rehearsal filled with cracking up mid-act by the performers (I did it too, so no judgment), the program having to be redesigned about four times and an absolute cacophony of about five or six computers all blasting music for people to practice to. Suffice to say, it didn't look like today was going to go too well, especially as my three fellow MCs and I had barely started on a script that was supposed to cover from five all the way to eleven PM.
This morning was a whirlwind of last-minute practicing, running around for gluesticks to finish posters and, of course, delicious pancakes for our last breakfast at meal hall. After a quick lunch and chaos in the girls' hall as we all rushed to get ready (as overweight as we all were on our baggage, apparently we still had to borrow things off other people), Open Day kicked off at one PM with everyone milling around the CT projects, Rube Goldberg machines, lecture posters and a giant world map that marked where each and every Shad had been born. It was so fun to get to see everyone's parents being led around and the guests going from booth to booth, and of course there was an incredible sense of accomplishment looking back on all that we've done over the past month.
The reception and banquet started after a short walk to the student union building, and I have to say that I think for a last-minute patch job, us MCs did the Shads justice. With only a few minor hiccups, the banquet ran pretty smoothly with some sentimental PA thank-yous, a few amazing guest speakers, scrumptious chocolate cake and a general air of excitement and accomplishment. The 'Shad Valley graduation ceremony' was particularly momentous for us Shads; it simultaneously represented a month of hard work and growth but at the same time marked the end of an unbelievable experience.
Our variety show was the perfect way to end open day. Everyone changed into their white-on-purple Shad UNB t-shirts and we saw an amazing three hours of singing, dancing, speeches and instrumental performances, punctuated by bad MC jokes and culminating in a whole-group rendition of "Time of Your Life", which I know will make me cry the next time I hear it. There have been so many memories made in the short four weeks we've been here, so many lessons learned and so many great friendships forged. It's actually July 30th as I'm finishing this, which doesn't say much about my punctuality, but the last twelve hours of Shad Valley definitely took precedence. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this community, and I know it doesn't end here. The Shad legacy will continue on for years to come, and the bonds between everyone will only strengthen over time.
Yuting Pan, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick'11
Hometown: Calgary, AB
July 28 - Day 26
The day’s events began with Open day, where all of us prepared and presented all the different aspects of Shad Carleton program to the parents, the general public, and the media. I was personally in charge of the booth for late night and lectures so I got to really tell the visitors about all the fun we had at the different late nights and all the interesting things we learned at the lectures.
Later that night was the closing banquet and the variety show. The banquet had delicious food and was really special because the staff, some of our family members, along with important speakers and Shad Valley supporters were there. What was even more special was the variety show afterwards. All of us got to showcase our talent to everyone, including our parents, for the last time. At the end we all got up there to sing our Shad song and had a large sentimental group hug afterwards. By the time we all packed up and exited the banquet hall, we were all tearing up.
What I didn’t expect were the events that happened after the banquet. We got our Shadwear (sweaters) and took a long walk over to a clearing where we had our closing ceremony. After that we headed over to Dunton towers where we had another one of those emotional sharing sessions. Everyone was pouring their heart about how they have changed and how Shad helped them.
Looking back, these events really reminded me about how much all of us Shads bonded, changed and learned over the course of the program. Shad Valley was amazing, or should I say, Shadmazing, and I will never forget it nor let go of the friendships I’ve made this summer.
Sharon Chen, Shad Valley Carleton University'11
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
Later that night was the closing banquet and the variety show. The banquet had delicious food and was really special because the staff, some of our family members, along with important speakers and Shad Valley supporters were there. What was even more special was the variety show afterwards. All of us got to showcase our talent to everyone, including our parents, for the last time. At the end we all got up there to sing our Shad song and had a large sentimental group hug afterwards. By the time we all packed up and exited the banquet hall, we were all tearing up.
What I didn’t expect were the events that happened after the banquet. We got our Shadwear (sweaters) and took a long walk over to a clearing where we had our closing ceremony. After that we headed over to Dunton towers where we had another one of those emotional sharing sessions. Everyone was pouring their heart about how they have changed and how Shad helped them.
Looking back, these events really reminded me about how much all of us Shads bonded, changed and learned over the course of the program. Shad Valley was amazing, or should I say, Shadmazing, and I will never forget it nor let go of the friendships I’ve made this summer.
Sharon Chen, Shad Valley Carleton University'11
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
July 28 - Day 26
As we woke today, trying to sort out realities with dreams, we come to the sudden realization that this is last day that we will be together as one. Although we would much rather it is a figment of our imagination, what is real can’t be denied, no matter how hard we may try. Yet discussion of the date and its significance was still a taboo at breakfast tables.
The day then started picking up. Setting up for open day, then frantically changing into appropriate attire… Running up and down the ten flights of stairs we have all become so familiar with… By the time the banquet finished, everyone was ready to just relax. But of course, as always, we had to book it back to Hedden Hall to get ready for the next event.
The variety show was held in the prestigious convocation hall, where we danced, juggled, sang, and everything in between. From the confused faces of parents when Shads break out laughing, it does seem like we have more than a few inside jokes among us. Time flashed by as memories of Shad also flashed before my eyes: each challenge, each event, each dorky moment, and each astounding realization.
It was only after the finale of the variety show, (I think it’s the shock of the fact that we had finished the last of our responsibilities) that tears flowed. These tears were genuine. These tears were heartfelt. These tears were a result of our futile attempts to halt the progression of time.
Once upon a time, we walked in complete silence to sacrifice something towards the community. Today, we marched down the same path. But this time, instead of individuals walking towards the same destination, we grabbed hold of each other and formed chains. We walked together. Our footsteps in sync. No one talked. Yet we communicated.
For a whole month everyone has put in effort to create this community. Now, we had to place it on the chopping block with our own hands. No one’s willing, and no one’s glad. But what needs to be done has to be done. Everything beautiful must eventually come to an end so we can look back at it in awe. But then again, “end” is not the adjective for Shad @ Mac 2011. Rather, it is a stage. I will never forget the lessons I’ve learned here. I will never forget the incredible individuals who have taught me in ways they might not even be aware. Thank you, I love you all.
Alisha Chen, Shad Valley McMaster ‘11
Hometown: Calgary, AB
The day then started picking up. Setting up for open day, then frantically changing into appropriate attire… Running up and down the ten flights of stairs we have all become so familiar with… By the time the banquet finished, everyone was ready to just relax. But of course, as always, we had to book it back to Hedden Hall to get ready for the next event.
The variety show was held in the prestigious convocation hall, where we danced, juggled, sang, and everything in between. From the confused faces of parents when Shads break out laughing, it does seem like we have more than a few inside jokes among us. Time flashed by as memories of Shad also flashed before my eyes: each challenge, each event, each dorky moment, and each astounding realization.
It was only after the finale of the variety show, (I think it’s the shock of the fact that we had finished the last of our responsibilities) that tears flowed. These tears were genuine. These tears were heartfelt. These tears were a result of our futile attempts to halt the progression of time.
Once upon a time, we walked in complete silence to sacrifice something towards the community. Today, we marched down the same path. But this time, instead of individuals walking towards the same destination, we grabbed hold of each other and formed chains. We walked together. Our footsteps in sync. No one talked. Yet we communicated.
For a whole month everyone has put in effort to create this community. Now, we had to place it on the chopping block with our own hands. No one’s willing, and no one’s glad. But what needs to be done has to be done. Everything beautiful must eventually come to an end so we can look back at it in awe. But then again, “end” is not the adjective for Shad @ Mac 2011. Rather, it is a stage. I will never forget the lessons I’ve learned here. I will never forget the incredible individuals who have taught me in ways they might not even be aware. Thank you, I love you all.
Alisha Chen, Shad Valley McMaster ‘11
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
July 27 - Day 25
In the morning, we walked together to the campus' sport complex for a surprise physical activity: a football-bootcamp where we all endured three hours of various physically demanding activities and a touch football game. Lunch went by at lightning speed after the morning of constantly running around.
Before we knew it, it was nighttime and it was time for our final conference. This conference was unlike all the the other, more academic ones this month -- all the staff members shared an intimate piece of their lives that they felt had really shaped them. It felt like it lead all members in that room to another plane of interpretation on their lives, relationships with each other and inevitably, brought everyone closer together. The intimacy between everyone advanced as all the Shads stood in a line, holding one piece of long string that we had to grasp onto as we travelled to the next building (where our group activity would be held).
As we made our way slowly to the Kruger building, I'm positive we appeared to be a cult since everyone had their Shad Laval t-shirts or sweaters with the hood on. Upon arrival, we all received electrical-look-alike candles (rather than using actual candles = good risk management), and sat in a tight circle. The moment was truly magical as everyone shared their dreams and promises for the future.
Today is the second last day of creating beautiful memories with these 49 wonderful Shads. However, today with all it's diverse activities, undoubtedly was the perfect way to end the final 'program' day.
Jade Choy, Shad Valley Laval '11
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Before we knew it, it was nighttime and it was time for our final conference. This conference was unlike all the the other, more academic ones this month -- all the staff members shared an intimate piece of their lives that they felt had really shaped them. It felt like it lead all members in that room to another plane of interpretation on their lives, relationships with each other and inevitably, brought everyone closer together. The intimacy between everyone advanced as all the Shads stood in a line, holding one piece of long string that we had to grasp onto as we travelled to the next building (where our group activity would be held).
As we made our way slowly to the Kruger building, I'm positive we appeared to be a cult since everyone had their Shad Laval t-shirts or sweaters with the hood on. Upon arrival, we all received electrical-look-alike candles (rather than using actual candles = good risk management), and sat in a tight circle. The moment was truly magical as everyone shared their dreams and promises for the future.
Today is the second last day of creating beautiful memories with these 49 wonderful Shads. However, today with all it's diverse activities, undoubtedly was the perfect way to end the final 'program' day.
Jade Choy, Shad Valley Laval '11
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
July 27 - Day 25
Today at Shad MUN we awoke to a hot breakfast sponsored by Memorial University Student Recruiting. After the exciting events of the previous night (when our presentations took place and our winning team was announced) this day was meant to be as relaxing as possible, in reward for all of our hard work over the last month.
After listening to the many distinct advantages of going to university at MUN, and receiving information from Dr. Lye about the upcoming Shad Cup, we were given a special surprise – a guided bus tour of St. John’s. The bus tour took us all over St. John’s, and a personal favourite attraction was the Bowring Park Duck Pond. After the bus tour we were given free time to eat dinner and explore downtown St. John’s.
After our last stressful committee sessions in preparation for Open Day, the Banquet and the Variety Show tomorrow, we were told to gather a pen and paper, wear closed-toed shoes, and head over to the Science Building for a final enlightening lecture. Alas, there was one final surprise! Instead of the informative lecture we had all been told to prepare for, we were shown a video created by the staff that showcased how we had spent our time here at Shad MUN over the last month. As we laughed and smiled at photos and videos of our fellow Shads and staff, we were left with a feeling of resignation and sadness – this month is nearly over and it is almost time to say goodbye. Its something no one is looking forward to doing on Friday. I know I speak for everyone at Shad MUN when I say that I have met people I will never forget and have created friendships I hope will never be broken.
Imran Moledina, Shad Valley MUN ‘11
Hometown: Toronto, ON
After listening to the many distinct advantages of going to university at MUN, and receiving information from Dr. Lye about the upcoming Shad Cup, we were given a special surprise – a guided bus tour of St. John’s. The bus tour took us all over St. John’s, and a personal favourite attraction was the Bowring Park Duck Pond. After the bus tour we were given free time to eat dinner and explore downtown St. John’s.
After our last stressful committee sessions in preparation for Open Day, the Banquet and the Variety Show tomorrow, we were told to gather a pen and paper, wear closed-toed shoes, and head over to the Science Building for a final enlightening lecture. Alas, there was one final surprise! Instead of the informative lecture we had all been told to prepare for, we were shown a video created by the staff that showcased how we had spent our time here at Shad MUN over the last month. As we laughed and smiled at photos and videos of our fellow Shads and staff, we were left with a feeling of resignation and sadness – this month is nearly over and it is almost time to say goodbye. Its something no one is looking forward to doing on Friday. I know I speak for everyone at Shad MUN when I say that I have met people I will never forget and have created friendships I hope will never be broken.
Imran Moledina, Shad Valley MUN ‘11
Hometown: Toronto, ON
July 27 - Day 25
As Shad winds down to an end, all of us here at Shad UNB are realizing how our lives have been changed by this program. The people here are so candid and so sincere; these are the people I will identify with for the rest of my life. Perhaps this is the reason why it’ll be so hard to leave. I’m feeling flutters every time I think about having to say goodbye. Tomorrow will be our Open Day. It’ll be bittersweet, a great wrap-up for the program, but also a curtain call for us Shads here at UNB.
We spent the beginning of the day preparing for Open Day and the Variety Show that everyone is so pumped (but also nervous) about. From choreographing dance routines to playing piano to singing songs, all of these outgoing Shads want to be in as many performances as possible (we’re filling more than 3 hours of programming).
We had a great time touring the new Currie Centre here at UNB, a new 65 million dollar sports facility. It was really eye-opening to see all that this great university has to offer. UNB has exceeded my expectations many times over; I’m now thinking that this is the perfect place for me.
We spent the rest of the day running the dress rehearsal for our Open Day. There were some great performances, and I’m so proud of all my family members here at Shad UNB. It’s getting harder and harder to even look at these faces, because some of the most unique, genuine people I have ever met are going to be gone. I’m personally so glad that everybody’s making the last day so memorable. I’m hoping that the last night will be as awesome as the rest of the month!
Ching Ye – Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
We spent the beginning of the day preparing for Open Day and the Variety Show that everyone is so pumped (but also nervous) about. From choreographing dance routines to playing piano to singing songs, all of these outgoing Shads want to be in as many performances as possible (we’re filling more than 3 hours of programming).
We had a great time touring the new Currie Centre here at UNB, a new 65 million dollar sports facility. It was really eye-opening to see all that this great university has to offer. UNB has exceeded my expectations many times over; I’m now thinking that this is the perfect place for me.
We spent the rest of the day running the dress rehearsal for our Open Day. There were some great performances, and I’m so proud of all my family members here at Shad UNB. It’s getting harder and harder to even look at these faces, because some of the most unique, genuine people I have ever met are going to be gone. I’m personally so glad that everybody’s making the last day so memorable. I’m hoping that the last night will be as awesome as the rest of the month!
Ching Ye – Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
July 26 - Day 24
Wow. What an amazing day.
Today was phenomenal in so many ways. First off, it was a special day for me because it was my 17th birthday. Second, today was the day we decided which CT Project to send to Shad Cup on behalf of UNB. Finally, today was the day of the UNB Shad's personal celebration banquet.
The morning started out rather busy. We were all scrambling to get organized as there were so many things to do! We had to begin planning for Open Day, the monthbook was announced to be due Wednesday morning, we had to prepare presentation boards for our CT Projects - we had much to get done and very little time to do them. I was working to get the monthbook pages assigned to different people, as well as begin designing my own, so it was rather hectic.
After lunch at the McConnell dining hall, we had time to work on our Rube Goldberg projects. My group worked very hard to think of innovative ways to use the 6 simple machines, but we still have much to do, and the contest is tomorrow!
Later, the most exciting part of the day (in my opinion) came. We set up our CT presentation boards in the DKT lounge, and everyone walked around to read about each project. All the projects were amazing! Because of this, it was very hard to only choose one project to send to the Shad Cup. In the end, my group's company, Gandalf, was chosen! I was overjoyed. We worked really hard on this project. This was better than any birthday present I could have asked for!
Next, we headed to the SUB for our banquet. We had a nice meal, as well as some great speeches and a hilarious skit by the PAs. I was also given a beautiful birthday card fashioned after the crystalline structure of a ruby (July's birthstone).
Then, we walked over to Tilly for an amusing lecture about scientific facts and why dinosaurs became extinct. Finally, we headed back to Joy Kidd to do a fun and tasty chemistry lab - making ice cream! We stood outside in the crisp summer air, shaking bags of ice, salt, milk, cream and sugar. Homemade ice cream is definitely delicious!
Now, I'm sitting here full of ice cream and birthday cake. Today was no doubt an amazing day, and I'm sure that tomorrow will be amazing (and busy) as well. It's hard to believe that this month is almost over, and I hope to make the most out of the rest of it!
Christalle Chow, Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Today was phenomenal in so many ways. First off, it was a special day for me because it was my 17th birthday. Second, today was the day we decided which CT Project to send to Shad Cup on behalf of UNB. Finally, today was the day of the UNB Shad's personal celebration banquet.
The morning started out rather busy. We were all scrambling to get organized as there were so many things to do! We had to begin planning for Open Day, the monthbook was announced to be due Wednesday morning, we had to prepare presentation boards for our CT Projects - we had much to get done and very little time to do them. I was working to get the monthbook pages assigned to different people, as well as begin designing my own, so it was rather hectic.
After lunch at the McConnell dining hall, we had time to work on our Rube Goldberg projects. My group worked very hard to think of innovative ways to use the 6 simple machines, but we still have much to do, and the contest is tomorrow!
Later, the most exciting part of the day (in my opinion) came. We set up our CT presentation boards in the DKT lounge, and everyone walked around to read about each project. All the projects were amazing! Because of this, it was very hard to only choose one project to send to the Shad Cup. In the end, my group's company, Gandalf, was chosen! I was overjoyed. We worked really hard on this project. This was better than any birthday present I could have asked for!
Next, we headed to the SUB for our banquet. We had a nice meal, as well as some great speeches and a hilarious skit by the PAs. I was also given a beautiful birthday card fashioned after the crystalline structure of a ruby (July's birthstone).
Then, we walked over to Tilly for an amusing lecture about scientific facts and why dinosaurs became extinct. Finally, we headed back to Joy Kidd to do a fun and tasty chemistry lab - making ice cream! We stood outside in the crisp summer air, shaking bags of ice, salt, milk, cream and sugar. Homemade ice cream is definitely delicious!
Now, I'm sitting here full of ice cream and birthday cake. Today was no doubt an amazing day, and I'm sure that tomorrow will be amazing (and busy) as well. It's hard to believe that this month is almost over, and I hope to make the most out of the rest of it!
Christalle Chow, Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Richmond, BC
July 26 - Day 24
Cavemen, shower, fist-pumping.
As usual, we hopped onto the bus without a clue about the destination. We had no idea we would be traveling to another province, we never saw the faintest sign of a thunderstorm, neither did we see ourselves as 52 cavemen. A surprise they call it and a surprise it was: Carleton Shads traveled to Parc Gatineau, Quebec and did some serious caving.
The park was absolutely beautiful; so beautiful that it made our five kilometers hike feel like four. Though it took us twice as long to slither our way through the cave than expected, I am proud to announce that there were neither screams nor injuries. The twenty minutes of downpour that shortly followed, on the other hand, brought out the evil within us: the shameless fights over umbrellas and rain jackets are better kept unmentioned.
The afternoon featured an insightful chat with Barry Bisson, President of Shad Valley International, and two amazing lectures by David Sinclair and Krish Suranthiran on neutrinos and the possibilities of life.
At the end of another day full of laughter and cheers, the Red House managed to put together a surprise birthday dance party for John and Jason in a matter of hours. In the words of a questionable artist, it was fun fun fun fun, and I can speak for all of us when I say we don’t want this week to end.
Elsie Piao, Shad Valley Carleton '11
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
As usual, we hopped onto the bus without a clue about the destination. We had no idea we would be traveling to another province, we never saw the faintest sign of a thunderstorm, neither did we see ourselves as 52 cavemen. A surprise they call it and a surprise it was: Carleton Shads traveled to Parc Gatineau, Quebec and did some serious caving.
The park was absolutely beautiful; so beautiful that it made our five kilometers hike feel like four. Though it took us twice as long to slither our way through the cave than expected, I am proud to announce that there were neither screams nor injuries. The twenty minutes of downpour that shortly followed, on the other hand, brought out the evil within us: the shameless fights over umbrellas and rain jackets are better kept unmentioned.
The afternoon featured an insightful chat with Barry Bisson, President of Shad Valley International, and two amazing lectures by David Sinclair and Krish Suranthiran on neutrinos and the possibilities of life.
At the end of another day full of laughter and cheers, the Red House managed to put together a surprise birthday dance party for John and Jason in a matter of hours. In the words of a questionable artist, it was fun fun fun fun, and I can speak for all of us when I say we don’t want this week to end.
Elsie Piao, Shad Valley Carleton '11
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
Monday, July 25, 2011
July 25 - Day 23
For some, it was the last day of stressing over our projects, and we frantically spent our morning refining our business plans. My team finished its business plan a full half hour before presentations, but considered ourselves lucky that we hadn't changed our product 4 hours before the deadline like another team had. We skipped lunch and ate leftover muffins and apples so that we could get everything done. Presentations went exceptionally well...when the last group had gone we all stood up and cheered.
We had until 5pm to dress for the banquet, but most of us were too tired to consider wearing a dress and heels, or a tie. Me? I took a nap.
Dinner was exquisite. After a month of eating cafeteria food, the gourmet dishes were amazing. Although I personally would have loved to fall into my dorm bed and sleep a full 9 hours, most Shads were excited for the dance party that we had at Boudoir after the banquet. A last song turned into 2, then 3 last songs, before we got to finally make up the millions of hours of lost sleep.
None of us could believe that the project that we had worked all month to complete was finally done. Tomorrow we'll vote on a project and a team to go on to the Shad Cup.
Laura Stepney, Shad Valley Laval '11
Hometown: Langley, BC
We had until 5pm to dress for the banquet, but most of us were too tired to consider wearing a dress and heels, or a tie. Me? I took a nap.
Dinner was exquisite. After a month of eating cafeteria food, the gourmet dishes were amazing. Although I personally would have loved to fall into my dorm bed and sleep a full 9 hours, most Shads were excited for the dance party that we had at Boudoir after the banquet. A last song turned into 2, then 3 last songs, before we got to finally make up the millions of hours of lost sleep.
None of us could believe that the project that we had worked all month to complete was finally done. Tomorrow we'll vote on a project and a team to go on to the Shad Cup.
Laura Stepney, Shad Valley Laval '11
Hometown: Langley, BC
July 25 - Day 23
After several weeks of brainstorming, planning, typing up business plans, and getting through with some rare disputes, it has finally come to presentation day. Recalling these past couple days… Shad life has been frantic!
We have been working very hard on our CT projects; while some groups have been more productive with their time than others, some spent theirs to “group bond” (snacking on chips, cookies, sunflower seeds). There were definitely a wide range of stress levels last night, finalizing the presentations and getting ready for today’s presentations.
The presentations today were amazing! We were all formally dressed and looked like legit entrepreneurs! The judges gave us lots of useful comments and critiques, which are sure to be useful for our presentations on Open Day and even into our potential business careers up ahead!
After the presentations, we went to visit a BioMed Clinic and learned about prosthetic limbs. The walk-through was very interesting and was very relevant to this year’s Shad theme of helping children with disabilities to break barriers.
Later on, we did our Money Master finance presentations; because all the Shads were cramped in a tiny room, we really bonded well when the judges were walking around, examining and judging our presentations. Oh! and last but not least, for our late night tonight, we had movie night; all the Shads sat together and got cozy to catch up on the first part of the last Harry Potter movie.
All the Shads are currently downstairs still enjoying the movie, probably exhausted by now, but we cannot wait for another activity-packed schedule tomorrow!
Jennifer Chew, Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
We have been working very hard on our CT projects; while some groups have been more productive with their time than others, some spent theirs to “group bond” (snacking on chips, cookies, sunflower seeds). There were definitely a wide range of stress levels last night, finalizing the presentations and getting ready for today’s presentations.The presentations today were amazing! We were all formally dressed and looked like legit entrepreneurs! The judges gave us lots of useful comments and critiques, which are sure to be useful for our presentations on Open Day and even into our potential business careers up ahead!
After the presentations, we went to visit a BioMed Clinic and learned about prosthetic limbs. The walk-through was very interesting and was very relevant to this year’s Shad theme of helping children with disabilities to break barriers.
Later on, we did our Money Master finance presentations; because all the Shads were cramped in a tiny room, we really bonded well when the judges were walking around, examining and judging our presentations. Oh! and last but not least, for our late night tonight, we had movie night; all the Shads sat together and got cozy to catch up on the first part of the last Harry Potter movie.
All the Shads are currently downstairs still enjoying the movie, probably exhausted by now, but we cannot wait for another activity-packed schedule tomorrow!
Jennifer Chew, Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
July 25 - Day 23
After an amazing trip to Ottawa this weekend, our final Monday at Queen’s University was a relaxing but bittersweet one. We woke up to one of the first rainy days in Kingston, after almost a month of scorching hot 40 degree weather. The morning started off with two very interesting lectures about Entrepreneurship Policies and the Ministry of Transportation.
After lunch, the Shads split off into our final workshops of the month. They ranged from CPR to Lululemon vision boards and bridge building; there was something for everyone to do. Although we were all exhausted out of our minds, with only four days left in the program, we were desperate to spend every last minute together.
The Shads ended the day with feedback from the staff on our Shad Cup projects and a final vote for the winning team. From tears of sorrow to rushes of excitement, the room was filled mixed emotions. We knew we’d finally accomplished something we were proud of and we did it as a family.
Julie Yu, Shad Valley Queen’s ‘11
Hometown: Toronto, ON
After lunch, the Shads split off into our final workshops of the month. They ranged from CPR to Lululemon vision boards and bridge building; there was something for everyone to do. Although we were all exhausted out of our minds, with only four days left in the program, we were desperate to spend every last minute together.
The Shads ended the day with feedback from the staff on our Shad Cup projects and a final vote for the winning team. From tears of sorrow to rushes of excitement, the room was filled mixed emotions. We knew we’d finally accomplished something we were proud of and we did it as a family.
Julie Yu, Shad Valley Queen’s ‘11
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Sunday, July 24, 2011
July 24 - Day 22
This morning, I dreamt that I slept in and arrived late for morning recreation. To my utter delight, I woke up to realize that it was an hour early. After a moment of rolling around in bed—one of my favourite activities at Shad—I quickly slid outside for a session of Tai Chi, a noteworthy course offered by our own Dr. Lye. The 6 dedicated and sleep-deprived Shads welcomed the dismal weather with smiling faces, as we messily mopped up our first attempt at all 108 moves! It was especially fun when the wind was blowing in my face. Shad teaches us much about optimism.
After a rejuvenating breakfast at the UC, and as we slowly recalled a certain House Project deadline today, we readied ourselves for a lovely and satisfying 6 hours of work! With the pressure mounting, we were told explicitly to be nice to each other.
My highlight of the day finally arrived when we started rehearsals for the variety show this week. Cheers and laughs ricocheted in the gym while we practiced our massive, collaborative Shad dance! Afterwards, we headed out for afternoon recreation, escorted by a scrumptious dinner, and committee time to work on the MUNthbook.
I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that only 4 days of Shad remain!
Jessie Yao, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland 2011
Hometown: Kingston, ON
After a rejuvenating breakfast at the UC, and as we slowly recalled a certain House Project deadline today, we readied ourselves for a lovely and satisfying 6 hours of work! With the pressure mounting, we were told explicitly to be nice to each other.
My highlight of the day finally arrived when we started rehearsals for the variety show this week. Cheers and laughs ricocheted in the gym while we practiced our massive, collaborative Shad dance! Afterwards, we headed out for afternoon recreation, escorted by a scrumptious dinner, and committee time to work on the MUNthbook.
I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that only 4 days of Shad remain!
Jessie Yao, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland 2011
Hometown: Kingston, ON
July 24 - Day 22
Describing today’s activities at Shad as hectic is quite the understatement, which is ironic considering the day was dedicated solely towards finalizing our CT projects! My group woke up bright and early to finish last-minute additions to our finance and marketing plans, with a deadline of 11am. We scrambled across campus to print and bind the plans, but ended up passing the deadline by about 20 minutes due to errors on our part. Embarrassing? Yes. Did we learn from the experience? Absolutely.
We decided not to linger on that issue for too long as we had to prepare for a dress rehearsal of our presentation. We wrote and memorized our lines for most of the afternoon, suited up, and headed down to an auditorium to present to our Program Directors and Assistants. I was shaky and nervous at times, but our presentation went very well for the most part and we definitely received some helpful feedback that will improve our presentation tomorrow in front of all the Shads. In fact, my group is working behind me right now, smoothing out the final details! I'm exceptionally proud of what we have accomplished together so far.
It’s crunch time, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store. As we approach the final days of the program, however, it’s becoming more and more apparent that this community we’ve built over the past 22 days will soon part. But we’ll approach that hurdle when we get there.
PS. just wanted to include a quick shout-out to my family back at home, especially to my nephew Aiden who was born just 3 days ago! I’m having the time of my life here at UNB but I can’t wait to meet him!
David Yang, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Markham, ON
We decided not to linger on that issue for too long as we had to prepare for a dress rehearsal of our presentation. We wrote and memorized our lines for most of the afternoon, suited up, and headed down to an auditorium to present to our Program Directors and Assistants. I was shaky and nervous at times, but our presentation went very well for the most part and we definitely received some helpful feedback that will improve our presentation tomorrow in front of all the Shads. In fact, my group is working behind me right now, smoothing out the final details! I'm exceptionally proud of what we have accomplished together so far.
It’s crunch time, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store. As we approach the final days of the program, however, it’s becoming more and more apparent that this community we’ve built over the past 22 days will soon part. But we’ll approach that hurdle when we get there.
PS. just wanted to include a quick shout-out to my family back at home, especially to my nephew Aiden who was born just 3 days ago! I’m having the time of my life here at UNB but I can’t wait to meet him!
David Yang, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Markham, ON
July 24 - Day 22
Inspired by: the Shads who performed a parody of this at Lakehead’s Talent Show, and of course, Rebecca Black:
10 AM waking up in the morning,
Gotta remember room keys, gotta get to the caf,
Gotta have my bowl, gotta have Fruit Loops,
Seein’ all the Shads, the time is goin’
Tickin’ on and on, everybody’s rushin’,
Gotta get down to the Hangar
Gotta be there for role call, I see my Firm
Sleep or finish business plan?
No debate: finish business plan
Already got my mind made up
Just another 20 hour working day
Shad Valley, Valley
July 24th blog entry
Everybody’s taking advantage of “Shad Nap”, “Shad Nap”
Valley, Shad Valley,
July 24th blog entry,
Everybody’s attempting dives into the pool
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Just kidding , Just kidding (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin' forward every single day
Today at Lakehead’s Shad program, all of us started the day off with a well-deserved chunk of free-time…to put some finishing touches on our business plans, of course.
To wash away some of the stress, we headed down to the Hangar (the main athletics center) to swim! After several brave attempts (and successes!) in climbing the rope hanging from the ceiling, and a ferocious, water variation of basketball (the rules would be a separate blog entry), we headed to the ATAC building to work on our Shad Cup projects.
If the duration of time spent in a place is any indication, the ATAC building has become our second home. With a quick break for dinner, all six Shad Cup groups have been working diligently for the past few hours. Our business plans are due in T-minus 10 minutes. Good luck, everyone!
I’ll leave the enormous task of summarizing the Shad Valley experience to the folks writing on July 29, but this excerpt is just that: an excerpt out of the most amazing, indescribable, amazingly indescribable July that I’ve had.
“…the time is goin’/ Tickin’ on and on, everybody’s rushin’”. Truer words have ne’er been said.
Kyung-Seo (Kay) Min, Shad Valley Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Calgary, AB
10 AM waking up in the morning,
Gotta remember room keys, gotta get to the caf,
Gotta have my bowl, gotta have Fruit Loops,
Seein’ all the Shads, the time is goin’
Tickin’ on and on, everybody’s rushin’,
Gotta get down to the Hangar
Gotta be there for role call, I see my Firm
Sleep or finish business plan?
No debate: finish business plan
Already got my mind made up
Just another 20 hour working day
Shad Valley, Valley
July 24th blog entry
Everybody’s taking advantage of “Shad Nap”, “Shad Nap”
Valley, Shad Valley,
July 24th blog entry,
Everybody’s attempting dives into the pool
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Just kidding , Just kidding (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin' forward every single day
Today at Lakehead’s Shad program, all of us started the day off with a well-deserved chunk of free-time…to put some finishing touches on our business plans, of course.
To wash away some of the stress, we headed down to the Hangar (the main athletics center) to swim! After several brave attempts (and successes!) in climbing the rope hanging from the ceiling, and a ferocious, water variation of basketball (the rules would be a separate blog entry), we headed to the ATAC building to work on our Shad Cup projects.
If the duration of time spent in a place is any indication, the ATAC building has become our second home. With a quick break for dinner, all six Shad Cup groups have been working diligently for the past few hours. Our business plans are due in T-minus 10 minutes. Good luck, everyone!
I’ll leave the enormous task of summarizing the Shad Valley experience to the folks writing on July 29, but this excerpt is just that: an excerpt out of the most amazing, indescribable, amazingly indescribable July that I’ve had.
“…the time is goin’/ Tickin’ on and on, everybody’s rushin’”. Truer words have ne’er been said.
Kyung-Seo (Kay) Min, Shad Valley Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Saturday, July 23, 2011
July 23 - Day 21
It was an early morning wake up today at UBC, and not because some Shads woke up early to do P90x! Instead, our daily physical activity was going to be completed in a more outdoorsy way..... such as hiking Mount Garibaldi! This popular hiking destination, located 90 minutes away from the UBC campus was where 51 Shads and our PAs spent the day....literally. From 6:30am till 8:00pm we had the chance to hike up the mountain, eating lunch on a rocky cliff with the mountain range behind us. All the climbing was worth it once we finally (after 5 hours) reached the summit: a glacial lake! After taking thousands of pictures, mostly of the snow capped mountains and crystal clear waters, tired hikers somehow found the en
ergy to unleash an insane snowball fight! Though the trip down was much easier than the way up, travelling through the snow possessed some challenges and there were definitely some rough moments, one Shad even dropped his camera into the stream!Although we were a little behind schedule,
which resulted in the pizza dinner arriving at UBC 3 hours before we did, I believe I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say that was the best cold pizza I have ever had! Our PAs could have fed us anything and we would have ate after all that hiking, one Shad even hiked with a sprained knee, using hiking poles as crutches! Following our late night dinner we were given time to work on our upcoming house project presentations, and what better way to end a long day at Shad then by doing laundry!Prior to Shad, outdoorsy would be the last adjective one would use to describe me. However, after all the activities I have gotten to experience during Shad, such as camping in a desert, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and canopy walking, I can definitely say Shad has been a life changing experience.
Alex Duffield, Shad Valley UBC ‘11
Hometown: Stoney Creek, ON
July 23 - Day 21
It has already been exactly 20 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes and 50 seconds, and for many of us, our time here so far at Shad has passed right before our eyes. I believe I speak on behalf of all Shads that we will greatly miss our time spent here and will probably be unhappy when it is time to leave. That is only more reason, however, to make the last few days count.
Today is July 23 and it has been certainly one of the busiest days in Shad by far. Early in the morning, we left for Ottawa on a particularly fancy coach bus. After a few hours, we eventually reached our destination-The Canadian War Museum. We had to speed through each section of the museum because we had arrived late and so we had to make up lost time. Nevertheless, there were many interesting exhibits to see and we very much enjoyed learning about how war developed in Canada.
After about an hour, we broke for lunch in a local French-speaking Chinese buffet which served arguably one of the biggest lunches that we have had so far. In the afternoon, we visited the Supreme Court of Canada, where we participated in a mock trial with judges, plaintiffs, and defendants.
We then took a trip around parliament, and then had some free time in the local market and the infamous mall, Rideau Centre. It was really fun just socializing with other Shads and roaming around the busy streets of Ottawa. We then drove back in our luxurious bus to residence at Queen’s where we greedily ate a most hearty pizza dinner.
And then…it was time. It was time for SHAD COFFEEE HOUSE. There were many performances, ranging from karaoke, poetry slam, piano, violin, french horn, singing, and stand-up comedy. It is hard to explain what the night was like; it is just one of those nights that you never want to stop. Everyone around me was laughing, jumping, and all around just having a great time. This is what Shad is all about.
And now there are only five days left of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is sometimes a bit depressing. But rather than having our heads stuck in the clouds, let us try to make the most out of the days we have left here. And thus, I am resolved…and without turning back…I am off to the common rooms to have the time of my life.
Kevin Zhou, Shad Valley Queen’s University 2011
Hometown: Guelph, ON
Today is July 23 and it has been certainly one of the busiest days in Shad by far. Early in the morning, we left for Ottawa on a particularly fancy coach bus. After a few hours, we eventually reached our destination-The Canadian War Museum. We had to speed through each section of the museum because we had arrived late and so we had to make up lost time. Nevertheless, there were many interesting exhibits to see and we very much enjoyed learning about how war developed in Canada.
After about an hour, we broke for lunch in a local French-speaking Chinese buffet which served arguably one of the biggest lunches that we have had so far. In the afternoon, we visited the Supreme Court of Canada, where we participated in a mock trial with judges, plaintiffs, and defendants.
We then took a trip around parliament, and then had some free time in the local market and the infamous mall, Rideau Centre. It was really fun just socializing with other Shads and roaming around the busy streets of Ottawa. We then drove back in our luxurious bus to residence at Queen’s where we greedily ate a most hearty pizza dinner.
And then…it was time. It was time for SHAD COFFEEE HOUSE. There were many performances, ranging from karaoke, poetry slam, piano, violin, french horn, singing, and stand-up comedy. It is hard to explain what the night was like; it is just one of those nights that you never want to stop. Everyone around me was laughing, jumping, and all around just having a great time. This is what Shad is all about.
And now there are only five days left of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is sometimes a bit depressing. But rather than having our heads stuck in the clouds, let us try to make the most out of the days we have left here. And thus, I am resolved…and without turning back…I am off to the common rooms to have the time of my life.
Kevin Zhou, Shad Valley Queen’s University 2011
Hometown: Guelph, ON
July 23 - Day 21
It’s GO, GO, GO at Shad UNB as always! With CT projects due tomorrow and Open Day activities to plan for, chaos reigns and the Shads don’t stop! Even this morning, (the only morning we were allowed to sleep in!) the computer labs were packed with Shads working on projects.
9 o’clock brought the moment for which many of us had been waiting for the past 3 weeks: DOWNTOWN FREDERICTON DAY!!! Splitting up into groups of 8, we headed downtown and ‘Shad pace’ even increased slightly in the excitement! First stop was the market, where Simosa Delite, along with various vendors selling fresh fruit and homemade smoothies, were mobbed by a crowd of 58 starving Shads searching for breakfast.
With the sun beating down, any open door blowing cool air into the streets was a popular place to be. Judging from the number of paper bags labeled ‘Geek Chic’ that came back to campus, however, we all know which was the MOST popular! Perhaps the most well-known store to UNB Shads, Geek Chic provided us with endless entertainment, from lightsaber chopsticks and periodic table shower curtains, to nerdy t-shirts with ridiculous slogans… only at Shad!
Back on campus this evening, the final night of project work was pandemonium! Line-ups for the computers, groups panicking to cram last-minute details into business plans and put final touches on prototypes, and the campus running completely out of paper. Now, with most projects ready to be handed in, UNB Shads are ready for…? a morning to sleep in?
Katie Peters – Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon
9 o’clock brought the moment for which many of us had been waiting for the past 3 weeks: DOWNTOWN FREDERICTON DAY!!! Splitting up into groups of 8, we headed downtown and ‘Shad pace’ even increased slightly in the excitement! First stop was the market, where Simosa Delite, along with various vendors selling fresh fruit and homemade smoothies, were mobbed by a crowd of 58 starving Shads searching for breakfast.
With the sun beating down, any open door blowing cool air into the streets was a popular place to be. Judging from the number of paper bags labeled ‘Geek Chic’ that came back to campus, however, we all know which was the MOST popular! Perhaps the most well-known store to UNB Shads, Geek Chic provided us with endless entertainment, from lightsaber chopsticks and periodic table shower curtains, to nerdy t-shirts with ridiculous slogans… only at Shad!
Back on campus this evening, the final night of project work was pandemonium! Line-ups for the computers, groups panicking to cram last-minute details into business plans and put final touches on prototypes, and the campus running completely out of paper. Now, with most projects ready to be handed in, UNB Shads are ready for…? a morning to sleep in?
Katie Peters – Shad Valley UNB '11
Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 22 - Day 20
Today was project day and I can say that now that it’s done, there is a weight that has been lifted off of my shoulders. The morning started off like a normal morning, minus the fact that I was running on less sleep than normal. I ate breakfast and eventually we all migrated downstairs for a lecture which turned out not to really be a lecture. Paul explained to us how the project conference was going to work and then set us free to finish whatever we didn’t get done last night. My group had had some speed bumps which had set us back so we had lots to do. In the end we pulled together and the outcome was a beautiful project. Everyone had beautiful projects.
The rest of the afternoon blurred by. The conference went well and when it was done we ventured off to dinner. During the conference and dinner, some rumours started going around that we might be going to see Harry Potter for our recreation session since the staff wouldn’t tell us what we were doing. This pumped most people up since there are some strong Potter fans here. The bus ride to whereever we were going became somewhat suspenseful in that sense. Of course as soon as we passed a cinema everyone freaked out and cheered. Also of course, the bus drove past it straight to mini golf. Personally, I quite enjoyed mini golf, no matter how sad I was about missing Harry Potter.
From then until now we’ve just been having fun. We came back from mini golf with ice cream and popsicles only to find that snack would be popcorn. There were lots of happy Shads. Now we’re all just hanging out in the cafeteria, waiting to cave into the need for sleep.
Jasmine Mansz, Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: Rothesay, NB
The rest of the afternoon blurred by. The conference went well and when it was done we ventured off to dinner. During the conference and dinner, some rumours started going around that we might be going to see Harry Potter for our recreation session since the staff wouldn’t tell us what we were doing. This pumped most people up since there are some strong Potter fans here. The bus ride to whereever we were going became somewhat suspenseful in that sense. Of course as soon as we passed a cinema everyone freaked out and cheered. Also of course, the bus drove past it straight to mini golf. Personally, I quite enjoyed mini golf, no matter how sad I was about missing Harry Potter.
From then until now we’ve just been having fun. We came back from mini golf with ice cream and popsicles only to find that snack would be popcorn. There were lots of happy Shads. Now we’re all just hanging out in the cafeteria, waiting to cave into the need for sleep.
Jasmine Mansz, Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: Rothesay, NB
July 22 - Day 20
The big Shad project is over. My mind can hardly register this thought; half of me feels immense relief, while the other half cannot help but experience a sensation of impending doom. After all, with only a week left, it is the beginning of the end.
My day started off bright and early at 5:30am, when I forced myself off my bed and into the lobby of McNeill Hall to put the finishing touches on (aka begin) my group’s business plan. After a rushed breakfast, we all headed to the Integrated Learning Centre for our final project time. Although tensions ran high and cups of coffee were continuously drained, all groups managed to finish in time and deliver absolutely amazing presentations. All the prototypes were so innovating and groundbreaking that every group deserved an investment.
The group dinner afterwards was definitely one of the many high points of the day. Each project group was given a reservation for a different restaurant in downtown Kingston; my group went to The Silver Wok, where we had delicious Chinese food and started up a casual academic conversation with the waiter.
Afterwards, we came back to lovely air-conditioned Chernoff Hall to play Cranium. All the activities were engaging and marked by laughter, even though the PA’s were disappointed in our very limited music library.
So, after all is said and done, I am left only with sweet relief, and the determination to live out my last week at Shad as fully as possible.
Grace Zhang, Shad Valley Queen's 2011
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
My day started off bright and early at 5:30am, when I forced myself off my bed and into the lobby of McNeill Hall to put the finishing touches on (aka begin) my group’s business plan. After a rushed breakfast, we all headed to the Integrated Learning Centre for our final project time. Although tensions ran high and cups of coffee were continuously drained, all groups managed to finish in time and deliver absolutely amazing presentations. All the prototypes were so innovating and groundbreaking that every group deserved an investment.
The group dinner afterwards was definitely one of the many high points of the day. Each project group was given a reservation for a different restaurant in downtown Kingston; my group went to The Silver Wok, where we had delicious Chinese food and started up a casual academic conversation with the waiter.
Afterwards, we came back to lovely air-conditioned Chernoff Hall to play Cranium. All the activities were engaging and marked by laughter, even though the PA’s were disappointed in our very limited music library.
So, after all is said and done, I am left only with sweet relief, and the determination to live out my last week at Shad as fully as possible.
Grace Zhang, Shad Valley Queen's 2011
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
July 22 - Day 20
It's hard to believe that exactly one week from today, all 48 of us at MUN will be leaving and returning to homes thousands of kilometres away from each other. This last week, we could really feel friendships being cemented and memories, the kind that you can always reminisce about, being formed.
So I guess it's a good thing that every day at Shad feels like a week. With the due date of the business plans for our projects looming in the near future, these few days have been even more exhausting than all the others. The program director must have realized that, seeing as we have been allotted time to "sleep-in" tomorrow.
Even so, lectures (on mining and swarm intelligence) and seminars (statistical misconceptions) continued as usual. We found time for other activities as well, such as creating an epic hopscotch the likes of which have never been seen before. At night, the program assistants surprised us by letting us watch the Princess Bride when they had said we were going to a lecture.
We have one week left - let's make it the best one of all!
Sophia Wen, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
So I guess it's a good thing that every day at Shad feels like a week. With the due date of the business plans for our projects looming in the near future, these few days have been even more exhausting than all the others. The program director must have realized that, seeing as we have been allotted time to "sleep-in" tomorrow.
Even so, lectures (on mining and swarm intelligence) and seminars (statistical misconceptions) continued as usual. We found time for other activities as well, such as creating an epic hopscotch the likes of which have never been seen before. At night, the program assistants surprised us by letting us watch the Princess Bride when they had said we were going to a lecture.
We have one week left - let's make it the best one of all!
Sophia Wen, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
Thursday, July 21, 2011
July 21 - Day 19
Alarm Clock. Ring Ring.
It’s 8:00 O’clock in the morning.
Wake up,
dress up, and
Wear Make up.
“Are we going to the mall?!!!”
“No No No! … Let’s run to the dining hall!”
Get your French toast, pancake and chocolate milk,
Gotta choose fast, ‘cause there’s no time to think!
It’s 8:45. That’s when we meet
“What for?! To get FIT???!!”
Yeah. Let’s go and get ready to beat
“Oh no! do we HAVE to??! In this heat?!!”
Your team is ‘here’, ours is ‘there’
Our group division is VERY fair!
One boy, one girl, one boy, and then just girl, girl, girl and girl.
Yeah that’s right. We DO have more girls here! Let’s get ‘REAL’! :-l
It’s 10:00 O’clock. It’s CT time!
“CT?! hah?! Is that ‘Cannot Think’ time?!!” :-S
“NO! it’s supposed to be our “Creative Team” time!!”
Our CT group is productive!
When eating, we’re way more active! ;-)
Coke, chips, sweet and seeds,
These are always our primary needs.
We eat a lot however,
We get The Work done. Whatever!!
What time is it?
It’s 12:00 noon.
We’ll get lunch very soon.
Walking down UNB campus,
We’re all confused and aimless!
Itchy itchy, get off me!
Why are there so many mosquitos and bees?
It’s 1:00 O’clock. We’re at a lecture.
Hey Shads, are you on time?! … “umm yeah sure!”
It’s hot hot hot hot in this city.
What’s up with this much humidity?
It’s 4:00 pm. It’s our SHAD Time.
Give me a word. I need something to rhyme.
You can do whatever you want
Dance, sleep, or go scavenger hunt!
.
.
.
It’s 8:00 p.m. it’s our Late Night.
Of course we get to have some fun every night!
Games, Dance, Singing or Music,
Everyone has some talent here. It’s like magic!
It’s 10:00 p.m. Our Quiet Time.
Shower, Brush your teeth, Facebook, Skype or MSN. Go Online!
Quickly! Don’t be late, ‘cause at 10:45 what you will get is a WARNING SIGN!
Ghazaleh Alamaki, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Halifax, NS
It’s 8:00 O’clock in the morning.
Wake up,
dress up, and
Wear Make up.
“Are we going to the mall?!!!”
“No No No! … Let’s run to the dining hall!”
Get your French toast, pancake and chocolate milk,
Gotta choose fast, ‘cause there’s no time to think!
It’s 8:45. That’s when we meet
“What for?! To get FIT???!!”
Yeah. Let’s go and get ready to beat
“Oh no! do we HAVE to??! In this heat?!!”
Your team is ‘here’, ours is ‘there’
Our group division is VERY fair!
One boy, one girl, one boy, and then just girl, girl, girl and girl.
Yeah that’s right. We DO have more girls here! Let’s get ‘REAL’! :-l
It’s 10:00 O’clock. It’s CT time!
“CT?! hah?! Is that ‘Cannot Think’ time?!!” :-S
“NO! it’s supposed to be our “Creative Team” time!!”
Our CT group is productive!
When eating, we’re way more active! ;-)
Coke, chips, sweet and seeds,
These are always our primary needs.
We eat a lot however,
We get The Work done. Whatever!!
What time is it?
It’s 12:00 noon.
We’ll get lunch very soon.
Walking down UNB campus,
We’re all confused and aimless!
Itchy itchy, get off me!
Why are there so many mosquitos and bees?
It’s 1:00 O’clock. We’re at a lecture.
Hey Shads, are you on time?! … “umm yeah sure!”
It’s hot hot hot hot in this city.
What’s up with this much humidity?
It’s 4:00 pm. It’s our SHAD Time.
Give me a word. I need something to rhyme.
You can do whatever you want
Dance, sleep, or go scavenger hunt!
.
.
.
It’s 8:00 p.m. it’s our Late Night.
Of course we get to have some fun every night!
Games, Dance, Singing or Music,
Everyone has some talent here. It’s like magic!
It’s 10:00 p.m. Our Quiet Time.
Shower, Brush your teeth, Facebook, Skype or MSN. Go Online!
Quickly! Don’t be late, ‘cause at 10:45 what you will get is a WARNING SIGN!
Ghazaleh Alamaki, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Halifax, NS
July 21 - Day 19
There is only a little over a week left of the Shad program and no one is looking forward to saying their goodbyes. Laval is a beautiful campus and the Shads here are all outstanding people.
Ce matin, on a regardé un documentaire à propos du krach boursier qui s'est récemment déroulé. Il expliquait les causes et les effets de cette crise.
We also had a workshop that was targeted towards teaching us what privilege really means. A list of facts was read out to the group and depending on whether or not it applied to you, you would either take a step forward or a step back. It really opened my eyes to the fact that even though I may take it for granted, I am truly privileged and I should recognize that.
Suite à la fin de l'atelier, les Shads on eu la chance de demander aux membres du personnel des questions au sujet des études postsecondaires. J'ai trouvé l'activité très utiles étant donné que les membres du personnel étaient capable de répondre à chaque question qui leurs étaient lancé.
After dinner, we boarded a yellow school bus that was headed for the Cineplex Odeon. One Shad, who happens to be a Harry Potter fan, had organized the outing. Although not everyone on campus was familiar with the Harry Potter franchise, the atmosphere on the bus was full of excitement and anticipation.
Jusqu'à date, Shad Laval a été un expérience excellente. Les gens ici m'inspirent et ça va être très difficile de les souhaiter mes adieux quand le temps va venir de retourner en Colombie-Britanique.
A special thanks goes out to all the Shad organizers and staff who made this program possible.
Twinkles,
Natasha Harris, Shad Université Laval
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Ce matin, on a regardé un documentaire à propos du krach boursier qui s'est récemment déroulé. Il expliquait les causes et les effets de cette crise.
We also had a workshop that was targeted towards teaching us what privilege really means. A list of facts was read out to the group and depending on whether or not it applied to you, you would either take a step forward or a step back. It really opened my eyes to the fact that even though I may take it for granted, I am truly privileged and I should recognize that.
Suite à la fin de l'atelier, les Shads on eu la chance de demander aux membres du personnel des questions au sujet des études postsecondaires. J'ai trouvé l'activité très utiles étant donné que les membres du personnel étaient capable de répondre à chaque question qui leurs étaient lancé.
After dinner, we boarded a yellow school bus that was headed for the Cineplex Odeon. One Shad, who happens to be a Harry Potter fan, had organized the outing. Although not everyone on campus was familiar with the Harry Potter franchise, the atmosphere on the bus was full of excitement and anticipation.
Jusqu'à date, Shad Laval a été un expérience excellente. Les gens ici m'inspirent et ça va être très difficile de les souhaiter mes adieux quand le temps va venir de retourner en Colombie-Britanique.
A special thanks goes out to all the Shad organizers and staff who made this program possible.
Twinkles,
Natasha Harris, Shad Université Laval
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
July 21 - Day 19
The day started as a continuation of the partying and dancing from Coffee Haus the previous night, which ended unwillingly as other Totem Park residents complained of our boisterous festivity. We had a tired but cheery breakfast and met eagerly at Frank Forward at 8:55am precisely. There, we were presented with our first speaker of the day, Alex Marziali, a professor of engineering physics at UBC. He presented an innovative method of separating DNA molecules from difficult samples. From this seedling blossomed a successful business, called Boreal Genomics, which we had the pleasure of touring.
From the company, I headed out with a few fellow Shads to the UBC student union building to buy the world’s best cookie from Blue Chip Cookies! We hurried back to Totem for lunch and back to Frank Forward to catch our afternoon lecture. Little did we know we were in for a treat. Our guest speaker was a working astronaut!
After the lecture, all 52 UBC shads were asked to change into rec colours (blue in my case) and to take part in an exciting QUIDDITCH tournament!!! Like wizard Quidditch, muggle Quidditch also involves 7 players consisting of a keeper, 2 beaters, 4 chasers but no seeker. An exciting match ensued, in which black team (Slytherin) took the lead. Tired and discouraged, the rest of the Shads set out to dinner at Totem Park Cafeteria. The rest of the evening was spent efficiently with research and discussion in our individual house groups, as we aspired to finish the daunting business plan ahead of us.
Through the merriments shared with all the Shads, I’ve learned to solve a 4 by 4 rubrix cube, to speak a few phrases of Korean, and to use a professional SLR camera. Although the days we have are numbered, what we gained are timeless friendships and the capacity to drive, stretch, and dream…
Jane Chen, Shad University of British Columbia 2011
Hometown: Thornhill, ON
From the company, I headed out with a few fellow Shads to the UBC student union building to buy the world’s best cookie from Blue Chip Cookies! We hurried back to Totem for lunch and back to Frank Forward to catch our afternoon lecture. Little did we know we were in for a treat. Our guest speaker was a working astronaut!
After the lecture, all 52 UBC shads were asked to change into rec colours (blue in my case) and to take part in an exciting QUIDDITCH tournament!!! Like wizard Quidditch, muggle Quidditch also involves 7 players consisting of a keeper, 2 beaters, 4 chasers but no seeker. An exciting match ensued, in which black team (Slytherin) took the lead. Tired and discouraged, the rest of the Shads set out to dinner at Totem Park Cafeteria. The rest of the evening was spent efficiently with research and discussion in our individual house groups, as we aspired to finish the daunting business plan ahead of us.
Through the merriments shared with all the Shads, I’ve learned to solve a 4 by 4 rubrix cube, to speak a few phrases of Korean, and to use a professional SLR camera. Although the days we have are numbered, what we gained are timeless friendships and the capacity to drive, stretch, and dream…
Jane Chen, Shad University of British Columbia 2011
Hometown: Thornhill, ON
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
July 20 - Day 18
What is a smile? It’s a facial expression made possible by the zygomaticus major and risorius muscles. Today at Shad Valley Queen’s, the once familiar facial expression became a multitude of things. In the morning the smiles were grimaces as we courageously ventured forth into Frontenac Park, under the blazing sun. Those muscles were tense for all the entire time when we grinded our teeth as we flailed our arms through a forest of bugs. Near noon the grimaces relaxed into happy sighs as we rested in an air conditioned haven. Soft smiles crept on to our faces as we fell asleep on the bus ride back to Queen’s. Bliss.
Whether we’re relaxing or working, unconscious or conscious, a smile—or perhaps one of its many close cousins is always there. Perhaps it is the ubiquitous indicator for how we feel here at Shad: happy.
Yes, happiness, the fuzzy feeling that we all get when we’re delighted, pleased, or satisfied with something great in life. It’s the same feeling that many of us probably felt again tonight when we saw Homer finally win the National Science Fair in the movie October Sky. Better yet, it’s the feeling of watching Homer’s inspiring moment with a room of inspiring friends.
Smile Shads, smile.
Kathy Zhang, Shad Queen’s University 2011
Hometown: North York, ON
Whether we’re relaxing or working, unconscious or conscious, a smile—or perhaps one of its many close cousins is always there. Perhaps it is the ubiquitous indicator for how we feel here at Shad: happy.
Yes, happiness, the fuzzy feeling that we all get when we’re delighted, pleased, or satisfied with something great in life. It’s the same feeling that many of us probably felt again tonight when we saw Homer finally win the National Science Fair in the movie October Sky. Better yet, it’s the feeling of watching Homer’s inspiring moment with a room of inspiring friends.
Smile Shads, smile.
Kathy Zhang, Shad Queen’s University 2011
Hometown: North York, ON
July 20 - Day 18
Today, I slept in until 7:30am.
The accumulated sleep deprivation of 17 long days really leaves an impact, such that my body decided to ignore the blasting sounds of the radio in favour of another precious hour of sleep. It really shows how strenuous a day at Shad can be. Today was no exception.
Our usual morning lectures were replaced by a Math Scavenger Hunt. It lasted for about 2 hours, during which my team was misled several times around the campus. It was a tiring but nonetheless fun activity. After lunch, I headed to an eye-opening Seminar about ethical issues regarding genetics. Our evening lecture discussed making plans to achieve a goal.
The impending deadline of our House project is never far from our minds. We went shopping for supplies, and I realized how helpless I was at a store. In addition to not being able to find many of the things I needed, I was reminded of some things I had forgotten to buy. It is a lesson on responsibility; Shad teaches you many lessons like that.
I’ve always wondered why Shad is a valley. Maybe it’s because once you get in, it’s hard to get out.
Fred Zhu, Shad Memorial University of Newfoundland 2011
Hometown: Surrey, BC
The accumulated sleep deprivation of 17 long days really leaves an impact, such that my body decided to ignore the blasting sounds of the radio in favour of another precious hour of sleep. It really shows how strenuous a day at Shad can be. Today was no exception.
Our usual morning lectures were replaced by a Math Scavenger Hunt. It lasted for about 2 hours, during which my team was misled several times around the campus. It was a tiring but nonetheless fun activity. After lunch, I headed to an eye-opening Seminar about ethical issues regarding genetics. Our evening lecture discussed making plans to achieve a goal.
The impending deadline of our House project is never far from our minds. We went shopping for supplies, and I realized how helpless I was at a store. In addition to not being able to find many of the things I needed, I was reminded of some things I had forgotten to buy. It is a lesson on responsibility; Shad teaches you many lessons like that.
I’ve always wondered why Shad is a valley. Maybe it’s because once you get in, it’s hard to get out.
Fred Zhu, Shad Memorial University of Newfoundland 2011
Hometown: Surrey, BC
July 20 - Day 18
Tonight at Shad Carleton, we had our very own culture night! When we were given our information package we were asked to bring in some sort of item that would represent our personal culture, be it family, country or hometown. It was a night filled with food, music and dancing, so for boring old me, whose English/Scottish/Irish family has lived here for a couple hundred years, it was quite a treat.
First of all: the food. There was a wide variety of delicacies from all over the world, representing most of the different countries that we have represented here at Shad. These included dumplings from China, samosas from India, biscotti from Italy, and brie cheese from France. For the most part it was absolutely delicious, and for the stuff that wasn’t, it was nice when people pretended not to notice you politely transfer it from your mouth to a napkin.
Secondly: the performances. Tonight I learned how to do a Jewish wedding dance, how to do various martial arts, how to do a traditional Indian dance, and had the privilege of listening to some beautiful Chinese piano music. All in all, culture night gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn about the rich cultures that exist in Canada and around the world, for me, it was a very enjoyable experience!
Grace Power, Shad Carleton University 2011
Hometown: Dartmouth, NS
First of all: the food. There was a wide variety of delicacies from all over the world, representing most of the different countries that we have represented here at Shad. These included dumplings from China, samosas from India, biscotti from Italy, and brie cheese from France. For the most part it was absolutely delicious, and for the stuff that wasn’t, it was nice when people pretended not to notice you politely transfer it from your mouth to a napkin.
Secondly: the performances. Tonight I learned how to do a Jewish wedding dance, how to do various martial arts, how to do a traditional Indian dance, and had the privilege of listening to some beautiful Chinese piano music. All in all, culture night gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn about the rich cultures that exist in Canada and around the world, for me, it was a very enjoyable experience!
Grace Power, Shad Carleton University 2011
Hometown: Dartmouth, NS
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July 19 - Day 17
Thunder Bay is an industrial playland. Along with being home to an enormous pulp and paper plant, a thermal electricity generating station, and a Persian* man, it also boasts the largest Popsicle stick factory in the world.
“We’re going to the Popsicle stick factory tonight. Wear close-toed shoes and long pants” were the directions given to us over breakfast.
Despite our immense excitement for the outing, Shad stops for nothing. Despite the upcoming outing—conveyor belts, production lines, little bits of cut trees and all—there was still much else to do.
There were Shad Speaks: terrifying ten-minute ordeals when the Shad speaks about a topic of his or her choice. There were lectures from our swaggalicious Program Director Sultan (Eleatics: what is real?). Free time snuck its way into our schedules during the afternoon, a precious commodity. (Today, it was spent jamming to the Born Ruffians in the lounge.) And mealtimes were punctuated with constant reminders: Popsicle stick factory tonight, meet at 5:45.
And so we gamely boarded the two buses at 5:45, decked out in close-toed shoes and long pants. One bus was dubbed the Sauna Bus for conspicuous reasons and was avoided by all. It was two weeks in; we knew each other enough by now to steal each other’s keys and snap photos of unsuspecting sleepers during rides.
We never did discover how Popsicle sticks were made. You see, the bus pulled into a SilverCity parking lot and we went to see Harry Potter instead.
*Persians are a kind of donut with frosting atop, native to Thunder Bay and delicious to consume
Shirley Miao, Shad Valley Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
July 19 - Day 17
Wake up at six. Wake up at six. Please wake up at six cause there’s soo much to do.
Multi-Cultural Night is tomorrow. Two murals are sketched. The world is three fifths done. All of them need to be painted. Our CT Project still needs a completed model and a high resolution diagram. We still have to plan a presentation for our finance project despite the fact that all our stocks are down and the person we’re supposed to emulate doesn’t ever sell his stocks and is only in it for long term growth. Hopefully that’ll go up soon and our graphs will start going up.
I really can’t believe that we are in week three already. There was just so much stuff that happened. We’ve turned pterodactyl into a speech impediment and found creative ways to be a part of the Harry Potter release without watching the movie ($700 in movie tickets + extra for bus rentals weren’t part of the budget) by playing Muggle Quidditch. Yesterday, we filmed our short movie which apparently had the same plot as a really really old Chinese music video. We will be editing the film tomorrow.
Shad has been amazing so far. My only complaint would be that the weather always leads to us getting wet: that is either by rain or by sweat. Oh yea, and the fact that the cafeteria seems to LOVE bubble gum ice cream and never gets any other flavours. But each day there’s a new lecture on a new topic and today, we had the funniest Irish guy (Scotty) give us a motivational speech that I’m sure everyone absorbed through the cracks in their ribs from laughing so hard (He started out the lecture by getting us to stand on our chairs with our eyes closed. I’ll leave it up to the reader to imagine the rest.)
Anyways, it’s almost lights out. So I guess I’ll be sending this post a day late.
George Li, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Multi-Cultural Night is tomorrow. Two murals are sketched. The world is three fifths done. All of them need to be painted. Our CT Project still needs a completed model and a high resolution diagram. We still have to plan a presentation for our finance project despite the fact that all our stocks are down and the person we’re supposed to emulate doesn’t ever sell his stocks and is only in it for long term growth. Hopefully that’ll go up soon and our graphs will start going up.
I really can’t believe that we are in week three already. There was just so much stuff that happened. We’ve turned pterodactyl into a speech impediment and found creative ways to be a part of the Harry Potter release without watching the movie ($700 in movie tickets + extra for bus rentals weren’t part of the budget) by playing Muggle Quidditch. Yesterday, we filmed our short movie which apparently had the same plot as a really really old Chinese music video. We will be editing the film tomorrow.
Shad has been amazing so far. My only complaint would be that the weather always leads to us getting wet: that is either by rain or by sweat. Oh yea, and the fact that the cafeteria seems to LOVE bubble gum ice cream and never gets any other flavours. But each day there’s a new lecture on a new topic and today, we had the funniest Irish guy (Scotty) give us a motivational speech that I’m sure everyone absorbed through the cracks in their ribs from laughing so hard (He started out the lecture by getting us to stand on our chairs with our eyes closed. I’ll leave it up to the reader to imagine the rest.)
Anyways, it’s almost lights out. So I guess I’ll be sending this post a day late.
George Li, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Calgary, AB
July 19 - Day 17
July 19th, 2011, another jam-packed, intense day at Shad Valley. We began in the morning with delicious chocolate chip pancakes and strawberry sauce before quickly heading over to the math building for a fascinating lecture about the mathematical models behind image processing and photo editing. Next, we split up into groups and headed off to our different workshops around the university campus. I went to Geomatics, where we played around with GIS software, learnt about the different mapping technologies used in disaster relief efforts, and actually mapped out a building using GPS technology.
After all our exciting workshops, the Shads met again for a lunch of subs and creamy soups. While we ate none of us could stop talking about the new concepts and ideas that we had just been exposed to. All our enthusiasm helped lead into our next workshop, a session with our very own staff member, Amit. He introduced us to the confusing, strange and extraordinary world of Fermi problems. That hour we tackled questions like how long would it take you to drive to the sun, how high would a pile be if every webpage was turned into a piece of paper and my personal favorite, the Fermi Paradox, which can estimate when we might meet aliens. After working our brains until they hurt, we split up for an afternoon of recreational activities that included fencing, volleyball, disc golf and badminton. To cap off our afternoon we had a session with Shad’s very own president, Barry Bisson. He helped open our eyes to everything that goes into running Shad and made us feel a little better about ourselves after telling us the rigorous application processes.
But today, the highlight must have been the dinner cooked up by our very own Grebel kitchen. Ribs, garlic mashed potatoes and homemade doughnuts, need I say more? We were all happily filled up before we went to another lecture featuring the hilarious Sean Maw and the world of criteria and constraints. From directing Shad to designing safety measures in speed skating, he seemed to have done it all, not to mention that he was just really funny.
Then all of us headed back to our residence to get in some more design project time and to finish off all our websites for tomorrow. So there ends another day of Shad, with an equally fun and intense day on the horizon.
David Liang: Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: North York, ON
After all our exciting workshops, the Shads met again for a lunch of subs and creamy soups. While we ate none of us could stop talking about the new concepts and ideas that we had just been exposed to. All our enthusiasm helped lead into our next workshop, a session with our very own staff member, Amit. He introduced us to the confusing, strange and extraordinary world of Fermi problems. That hour we tackled questions like how long would it take you to drive to the sun, how high would a pile be if every webpage was turned into a piece of paper and my personal favorite, the Fermi Paradox, which can estimate when we might meet aliens. After working our brains until they hurt, we split up for an afternoon of recreational activities that included fencing, volleyball, disc golf and badminton. To cap off our afternoon we had a session with Shad’s very own president, Barry Bisson. He helped open our eyes to everything that goes into running Shad and made us feel a little better about ourselves after telling us the rigorous application processes.
But today, the highlight must have been the dinner cooked up by our very own Grebel kitchen. Ribs, garlic mashed potatoes and homemade doughnuts, need I say more? We were all happily filled up before we went to another lecture featuring the hilarious Sean Maw and the world of criteria and constraints. From directing Shad to designing safety measures in speed skating, he seemed to have done it all, not to mention that he was just really funny.
Then all of us headed back to our residence to get in some more design project time and to finish off all our websites for tomorrow. So there ends another day of Shad, with an equally fun and intense day on the horizon.
David Liang: Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: North York, ON
July 18 - Day 16
We at Shad Dalhousie spent the morning predicting the future—or maybe, more formally, “prognosticating” (as our lecture was called). Delivered by our very own—Mike Smit—the morning delved right into exploring what the computer world, our world, beholds in near time. With embedded clips detailing tiny spider-sized robots in The Minority Report to a supercomputer that tracks one’s every move from Eagle Eye, we realized that we aren’t that far from such a “fictional” world.
Rec time, colloquially known as “sweaty time” was up next. But with exercise comes hunger, power eating, full bellies, and a clear head, one ready to learn. So off we headed to our self-selected seminars. I went to a 3D modeling seminar, where we learnt how to use Solid Edge, design software popularly used by engineers. This will be especially useful for our shad projects over the coming week.
Then it was off to eat again, but after that came the evening lecture. It was quite exciting—we didn’t just use our brain waves, we saw them! Aaron Newman from the Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Repair Centre came to talk to us about Electroencephalography while comparing activated brain scans of deaf to non-deaf people. Next, he took Shads from the audience and using an EEG recording net (as pictured), brain waves were recorded. It was fun seeing the graphs change rapidly as resulted from actions such as maniacal laughter or hard blinking.
The rest of the evening was spent working in our house groups, trying to finalize product details. We like to be secretive so I will leave it at that. Snack was next and it ended the day on a good note.
Rina Kang, Shad Dalhousie University 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 18 - Day 16
Today was relatively the same as every other day at Shad – the best day ever, full of excitement, enthusiasm, innovation, but most importantly: challenge.
Waking up at 6:00am already sleep deprived, some Shads and I headed off to the gym for some mind-stimulating physical exercise. After breakfast, we ‘shad-walked’ over to our lecture. If you’re unsure of the term ‘shad-walk’, just imagine half of normal pace. Our lectures are not your regular lectures. For starters, our lecturer was Rob Austin, an ex-Harvard professor. He spoke to us on ‘Business Strategy and Innovation’, how being different and extraordinary can lead your company to success like Google and Apple.
Another definite highlight of the day was preparing for Multicultural Night. The Shads were given a task to organize a program including food, decoration, music, a fashion show, and performances- all without director assistance or guidance. In the afternoon, we were given time to work in our creative teams, in which we are developing a product for disabled children in Canada. Our group has developed a plan for a prototype, and we will hopefully be meeting with the engineering faculty tomorrow to build this prototype (I’m extremely excited to work alongside these professionals). Our day finally closed with a dance performance in which many received a standing ovation.
Tim Wenger, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Cecil Lake, BC
Waking up at 6:00am already sleep deprived, some Shads and I headed off to the gym for some mind-stimulating physical exercise. After breakfast, we ‘shad-walked’ over to our lecture. If you’re unsure of the term ‘shad-walk’, just imagine half of normal pace. Our lectures are not your regular lectures. For starters, our lecturer was Rob Austin, an ex-Harvard professor. He spoke to us on ‘Business Strategy and Innovation’, how being different and extraordinary can lead your company to success like Google and Apple.
Another definite highlight of the day was preparing for Multicultural Night. The Shads were given a task to organize a program including food, decoration, music, a fashion show, and performances- all without director assistance or guidance. In the afternoon, we were given time to work in our creative teams, in which we are developing a product for disabled children in Canada. Our group has developed a plan for a prototype, and we will hopefully be meeting with the engineering faculty tomorrow to build this prototype (I’m extremely excited to work alongside these professionals). Our day finally closed with a dance performance in which many received a standing ovation.
Tim Wenger, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Cecil Lake, BC
July 18 - Day 16
My day started at 7:15am, when I joined a small group of my peers at the Hangar, the fitness facility at Lakehead University. There's nothing like waking up with the sun and jumpstarting the day with an intense workout! After a shower I joined all my other Shad Lakehead peers for a huge breakfast, and then several Shad Speaks. The 10-minute presentations were entertaining and informative, mostly centred on this particular day around the science behind various sports and activities. This was followed by a lecture in a series about axiomatic design, presented by our own Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, and then a delicious lunch of tacos :)
The rest of the day proved to be fairly relaxing for a day in Shad Valley, as the time between lunch and dinner were occupied by time to work in our soft project committees and then two hours of fitness at the Hangar. The soft projects here include committee work on such projects as the organization and facilitation of the banquet and the production of the monthbooks. I am on the committee responsible for organizing the dance that will cap off our month here at Shad Valley, and we are well ahead of schedule. During scheduled fitness time, we had a choice of activities at the facility. I chose to join a yoga class facilitated by our wonderful Rheta, because I definitely needed some revitalization after my brutal morning workout. During this time, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of contentment and peace that proves to be quite rare in such a packed program like Shad Valley.
After dinner (which my hunger propelled me to eat three servings of), we sat down for an entrepreneurship lecture by Professor Ken Hartviksen. We left to go work on our Shad Cup projects armed with his words of wisdom and ready to tackle the daunting task of progressing in this major project. At the risk (certainty) of sounding very cheesy, I am grateful beyond words for what I am blessed enough to experience here. Shad Cup Time has proved itself to be riddled with trial, coming as a package deal with all the stresses of working in a group on a very important project. But all the frustration, discord, and tribulation that we are forced to overcome by working together has been teaching me invaluable life lessons that can't be learned from a textbook or a Wikipedia article. I know that by the end of the month, I will walk away from this program a better learner, teacher, friend, innovator, and person.
By the time I finished tweaking my Shad Speak for the following day and retired to my dorm, I was content indeed. Tired, yes, from everything I had done in the past two weeks, but all of it has been so worth it. I remember being told over and over that this would be the best month of my life, and skeptical as I was, I cannot deny the truth of these words so far. Through all the sleep deprivation, stress, and fatigue I have experienced so far, I have been sharing magical moments with amazing people, learning astonishing things, and having the time of my life. My last thought before drifting off into the land of sleep was that of anticipation for what the next day held in store for me.
Julie Cho, Shad Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
The rest of the day proved to be fairly relaxing for a day in Shad Valley, as the time between lunch and dinner were occupied by time to work in our soft project committees and then two hours of fitness at the Hangar. The soft projects here include committee work on such projects as the organization and facilitation of the banquet and the production of the monthbooks. I am on the committee responsible for organizing the dance that will cap off our month here at Shad Valley, and we are well ahead of schedule. During scheduled fitness time, we had a choice of activities at the facility. I chose to join a yoga class facilitated by our wonderful Rheta, because I definitely needed some revitalization after my brutal morning workout. During this time, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of contentment and peace that proves to be quite rare in such a packed program like Shad Valley.
After dinner (which my hunger propelled me to eat three servings of), we sat down for an entrepreneurship lecture by Professor Ken Hartviksen. We left to go work on our Shad Cup projects armed with his words of wisdom and ready to tackle the daunting task of progressing in this major project. At the risk (certainty) of sounding very cheesy, I am grateful beyond words for what I am blessed enough to experience here. Shad Cup Time has proved itself to be riddled with trial, coming as a package deal with all the stresses of working in a group on a very important project. But all the frustration, discord, and tribulation that we are forced to overcome by working together has been teaching me invaluable life lessons that can't be learned from a textbook or a Wikipedia article. I know that by the end of the month, I will walk away from this program a better learner, teacher, friend, innovator, and person.
By the time I finished tweaking my Shad Speak for the following day and retired to my dorm, I was content indeed. Tired, yes, from everything I had done in the past two weeks, but all of it has been so worth it. I remember being told over and over that this would be the best month of my life, and skeptical as I was, I cannot deny the truth of these words so far. Through all the sleep deprivation, stress, and fatigue I have experienced so far, I have been sharing magical moments with amazing people, learning astonishing things, and having the time of my life. My last thought before drifting off into the land of sleep was that of anticipation for what the next day held in store for me.
Julie Cho, Shad Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 17 - Day 15
Today stared off with something that Shads know not of, a morning where we can sleep in. From the time we woke up until noon was our own time, to do with as we pleased. Not only was our morning special, but this afternoon our giant Shad family was split into two separate groups.
Our schedule was altered so that each group could eat supper after our exciting afternoon activity. The first group started with rock climbing while the other had time to work on our projects, the two groups then switched activities. Rock climbing was amazing, it was like a giant trust exercise. We had to trust that our partner would be there to catch us when we fell, and they always were.
The night ended with a tribute to "the book of awesome" by Neil Pasricha, each Shad was told to come up with a list of ten things that they liked about their experience at Queen’s so far. We were then told to narrow it down to five, then three, and then finally to our top choice. Each of us was to write down our one thing on the pillowcases laid out for us, so that everyone would have a pillow covered with all the awesome things about our Shad Valley experience. I will leave you with what I wrote, "Everyone is comfortable just being themselves".
Danielle Livingstone, Shad Queen’s University 2011
Hometown: Fort McMurray, AB
Our schedule was altered so that each group could eat supper after our exciting afternoon activity. The first group started with rock climbing while the other had time to work on our projects, the two groups then switched activities. Rock climbing was amazing, it was like a giant trust exercise. We had to trust that our partner would be there to catch us when we fell, and they always were.
The night ended with a tribute to "the book of awesome" by Neil Pasricha, each Shad was told to come up with a list of ten things that they liked about their experience at Queen’s so far. We were then told to narrow it down to five, then three, and then finally to our top choice. Each of us was to write down our one thing on the pillowcases laid out for us, so that everyone would have a pillow covered with all the awesome things about our Shad Valley experience. I will leave you with what I wrote, "Everyone is comfortable just being themselves".
Danielle Livingstone, Shad Queen’s University 2011
Hometown: Fort McMurray, AB
July 17 - Day 15
Today was like no other here at Shad, as we awoke from the floor of a church hall on Fogo Island. All 48 Shads shuffled out to get some breakfast before leaving the island en route to a seven hour trip home.
We had been "camping" for the past two days there, visiting seemingly every site and taking full advantage of the community and its generosity, including some wonderful meals and sightseeing. After a bus ride during which many caught up on some much appreciated sleep, everyone ran for the showers they had been deprived of for two days. We then reorganized our house projects, finalizing designs and distributing the final workloads.
Our projects are coming into focus now, and the final stretch towards their completion is beginning in this final week of work. The coming week's schedule presents another array of lectures, activities, and seminars, and I'm sure that like every day we have been here, each coming day will feel like a month of socialization and effort. It’s a good thing the days feel so long, or else it would really be difficult to think that there are only 10 left.
Oliver Falvey, Shad Valley Memorial University 2011
Hometown: Halifax, NS
We had been "camping" for the past two days there, visiting seemingly every site and taking full advantage of the community and its generosity, including some wonderful meals and sightseeing. After a bus ride during which many caught up on some much appreciated sleep, everyone ran for the showers they had been deprived of for two days. We then reorganized our house projects, finalizing designs and distributing the final workloads.
Our projects are coming into focus now, and the final stretch towards their completion is beginning in this final week of work. The coming week's schedule presents another array of lectures, activities, and seminars, and I'm sure that like every day we have been here, each coming day will feel like a month of socialization and effort. It’s a good thing the days feel so long, or else it would really be difficult to think that there are only 10 left.
Oliver Falvey, Shad Valley Memorial University 2011
Hometown: Halifax, NS
July 17 - Day 15
Today was a really special day at Shad… we got two more hours of sleep! I got up at 9am for a run around the campus. I went down Agronomy Street and saw people doing a triathlon. They might be still doing it while I am writing this blog! I went back to Totem Park just in time to go for a brunch at the cafeteria.
All the Shads and the staff members left the campus at noon to go see an outdoor Shakespeare play. It was an amazing experience! The entire group watched “The Merchant of Venice”, which was featured in the Shakespeare festival. I was impressed by the way the space was used by the actors; they had great stage presence. They used the exits of the outdoor theatre as a part of the stage. I have never seen this before, it was really original. After the play, we got an hour to venture around. There was a beach and a nice promenade along the waterfront. We took plenty of pictures and had a lot of fun! We don’t often have the time to just walk around and relax at Shad so we took advantage of it!
We came back to the campus and had free time until supper. Then we worked in our committee teams, where groups of students get together and organize campus events such as the variety show, coffee house, clothing line, barbeque and monthbook. With other fellow Shads I am organizing a big barbecue at the end of the program. It is going to be a great event!
As with any other day at Shad, today was unique!
Catherine Boudreau, Shad University of British Columbia 2011
Hometown: Quebec, QC
All the Shads and the staff members left the campus at noon to go see an outdoor Shakespeare play. It was an amazing experience! The entire group watched “The Merchant of Venice”, which was featured in the Shakespeare festival. I was impressed by the way the space was used by the actors; they had great stage presence. They used the exits of the outdoor theatre as a part of the stage. I have never seen this before, it was really original. After the play, we got an hour to venture around. There was a beach and a nice promenade along the waterfront. We took plenty of pictures and had a lot of fun! We don’t often have the time to just walk around and relax at Shad so we took advantage of it!
We came back to the campus and had free time until supper. Then we worked in our committee teams, where groups of students get together and organize campus events such as the variety show, coffee house, clothing line, barbeque and monthbook. With other fellow Shads I am organizing a big barbecue at the end of the program. It is going to be a great event!
As with any other day at Shad, today was unique!
Catherine Boudreau, Shad University of British Columbia 2011
Hometown: Quebec, QC
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July 16 - Day 14
Although it has been already two weeks since the Shad Valley program started, it feels just like yesterday that I was picked up from the airport to head to my new home for the month. The camaraderie here is building, and the Shads are becoming more comfortable with each other day by day.
Today started with all Shads walking to the Ryan Building (our regular lecture room) for a Software Engineering lecture. Right after the Software Engineering lecture, we had a pharmacist come in and talk about the Pharmaceutical field and about a pharmacist’s job. The two first lectures of today were really intense and full of facts.
We had our first Soft Projects meetings, which were held in various areas on campus. Soft projects are divided in to different categories like the Dance Group, Music Group, Media Group, Wall Group, Monthbook Group, etc.
After our Soft Project meetings, we were given our Shad Cup Time. I liked how Shads were comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions to each other. I think during the Shad Cup Time not only do we learn and progress further into our projects, but also socialize and build our friendships.
Just like any other Saturday, we had Program Review with our program director, reviewing what we have done during this week and what we will experience next week. During this time, all the Lakehead Shads rebelled by singing the Harry Potter chant to persuade the PAs to let us go see the new Harry Potter movie. The PAs seemed unmoved.
After the Program Review, we went back to the Shad Cup Time meeting. Our group did a great deal of research on our product, and nearly exhausted ourselves. Of course, we were able to fit in some group activities and games to keep our spirits up. I think people here really depend on each other for energy and spirit.
It happened to be birthdays of two of our Shads. We gathered for Late Nite, and just as any other birthdays we had after the program begun, we sang Happy Birthday and ate cake, I think these moments are the most cherished at the Shad Valley Program. I might not remember the exact details about Software Engineering lectures, but I will definitely remember the smiles all the Shads had on their faces celebrating peers’ birthdays.
Joye Kwon, Shad Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: South Surrey, BC
Today started with all Shads walking to the Ryan Building (our regular lecture room) for a Software Engineering lecture. Right after the Software Engineering lecture, we had a pharmacist come in and talk about the Pharmaceutical field and about a pharmacist’s job. The two first lectures of today were really intense and full of facts.
We had our first Soft Projects meetings, which were held in various areas on campus. Soft projects are divided in to different categories like the Dance Group, Music Group, Media Group, Wall Group, Monthbook Group, etc.
After our Soft Project meetings, we were given our Shad Cup Time. I liked how Shads were comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions to each other. I think during the Shad Cup Time not only do we learn and progress further into our projects, but also socialize and build our friendships.
Just like any other Saturday, we had Program Review with our program director, reviewing what we have done during this week and what we will experience next week. During this time, all the Lakehead Shads rebelled by singing the Harry Potter chant to persuade the PAs to let us go see the new Harry Potter movie. The PAs seemed unmoved.
After the Program Review, we went back to the Shad Cup Time meeting. Our group did a great deal of research on our product, and nearly exhausted ourselves. Of course, we were able to fit in some group activities and games to keep our spirits up. I think people here really depend on each other for energy and spirit.
It happened to be birthdays of two of our Shads. We gathered for Late Nite, and just as any other birthdays we had after the program begun, we sang Happy Birthday and ate cake, I think these moments are the most cherished at the Shad Valley Program. I might not remember the exact details about Software Engineering lectures, but I will definitely remember the smiles all the Shads had on their faces celebrating peers’ birthdays.
Joye Kwon, Shad Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: South Surrey, BC
July 16 - Day 14
Another whirlwind day has come to a close at Shad, Carleton. The day, similar to others at Shad, was full of excitement, struggles, learning opportunities and much more. A typical morning for a Shad is the sound of three alarm clocks buzzing all at the same time, and most days mine is no different, but today as I rolled over and glanced at my alarm clock the time 8:15 caught my eyes. I threw off the covers and ran into the bathroom and got into the shower, while quickly seeing my three other roommates laughing at my panic. To my disbelief I made the 8:25 start time, shower and all. Now not only was I required to get to the lecture on time that morning but it just happened to be my turn for my Shad Speak. With an empty stomach but an excited energy I presented what I would call a very good Shad Speak. Five others presented after me talking about topics ranging from toilet paper, food, swimming and shoes. In the typical Shad way they were all unique and intriguing.
After over an hour of sitting we had a short break before sitting back down for a lecture by our favorite music man, Dan Horner. Dan had been away from the program for a couple of days for a music camp but was more energized to be back at Carleton. Dan who has helped in inspiring many of us this year at Carleton continued to do so, while incorporating music, humor and good life lessons. Shad has taught me many of these life lessons, some came as the forms of lectures, others came as team building activities, but I believe that working with my team on our DE project has taught me the most about the roles of leadership and the importance of being a follower and how crucial that is to the team.
Lunch came and went. We scurried back to the lecture hall for a controversial talk by Super Sam. The talk included issues from does your consciousness actually exist, and what happens when you die? The lecture questioned what we know in our world and this exemplifies the theme of Shad. Shad is pushing our boundaries within ourselves and really testing what we can achieve and what we know we can do.
During our evening events we had a bubbly lecture from Desirae Odjick. Her personality really shined through and inspired some of our Shads to look into joinng JDCC in university. Committee time was unproductive today as we were anticipating our coffee house. The coffee house was full of performances from our Shads showcasing their talents in dancing, singing and humor. The night was full of music, laughs and great memories.
Overall today was another great day in building lifelong friendships, memories and an experience that we will never forget.
Geoffrey Nicholson, Shad Carleton University 2011
Hometown: Calgary, AB
After over an hour of sitting we had a short break before sitting back down for a lecture by our favorite music man, Dan Horner. Dan had been away from the program for a couple of days for a music camp but was more energized to be back at Carleton. Dan who has helped in inspiring many of us this year at Carleton continued to do so, while incorporating music, humor and good life lessons. Shad has taught me many of these life lessons, some came as the forms of lectures, others came as team building activities, but I believe that working with my team on our DE project has taught me the most about the roles of leadership and the importance of being a follower and how crucial that is to the team.
Lunch came and went. We scurried back to the lecture hall for a controversial talk by Super Sam. The talk included issues from does your consciousness actually exist, and what happens when you die? The lecture questioned what we know in our world and this exemplifies the theme of Shad. Shad is pushing our boundaries within ourselves and really testing what we can achieve and what we know we can do.
During our evening events we had a bubbly lecture from Desirae Odjick. Her personality really shined through and inspired some of our Shads to look into joinng JDCC in university. Committee time was unproductive today as we were anticipating our coffee house. The coffee house was full of performances from our Shads showcasing their talents in dancing, singing and humor. The night was full of music, laughs and great memories.
Overall today was another great day in building lifelong friendships, memories and an experience that we will never forget.
Geoffrey Nicholson, Shad Carleton University 2011
Hometown: Calgary, AB
July 16 - Day 14
WOW! Shad has honestly been the most amazing experience of my life, and according to Barry Bisson, the best is yet to come! Today has been yet another amazing day at Shad, made even better by the amazing birthday wishes everyone gave me today, as well as cake, candy and an incredible penguin card!
This was my first birthday away from my family, yet I still felt at home since, at the risk of sounding incredibly cliché, all the Shads here have become a part of my family! However, it wasn’t just the fact that today was my birthday that made today special. We also had the honour of spending the greater part of our day learning how to start our businesses for our CT projects, and the steps required to right our business plans.
This was taught by none other than Barry Bisson, Shad Valley International President, and Mark Vandenbosch, Chair of the Shad Valley Board of Directors. It was a true privilege to learn from them, and all the Shads left feeling a little bit more enlightened and ready to tackle our business plans for our projects. This evening we spent some time working on our CT projects and applying our new found knowledge.
We also spent an hour working on our Rube Goldberg projects; taxing our creativity to come up with wild and wacky inventions! Finally, to cap off a wonderful day, we had a poetry and reading night, which showcased some truly incredible talent! Well, there you have it, a day in the life of a Shad at UNB! Now I must go and get some sleep, so that I can be ready to enjoy another superb day tomorrow!
Arctica Cunningham, Shad University of New Brunswick
Hometown: Telkwa, BC
This was my first birthday away from my family, yet I still felt at home since, at the risk of sounding incredibly cliché, all the Shads here have become a part of my family! However, it wasn’t just the fact that today was my birthday that made today special. We also had the honour of spending the greater part of our day learning how to start our businesses for our CT projects, and the steps required to right our business plans.
This was taught by none other than Barry Bisson, Shad Valley International President, and Mark Vandenbosch, Chair of the Shad Valley Board of Directors. It was a true privilege to learn from them, and all the Shads left feeling a little bit more enlightened and ready to tackle our business plans for our projects. This evening we spent some time working on our CT projects and applying our new found knowledge.
We also spent an hour working on our Rube Goldberg projects; taxing our creativity to come up with wild and wacky inventions! Finally, to cap off a wonderful day, we had a poetry and reading night, which showcased some truly incredible talent! Well, there you have it, a day in the life of a Shad at UNB! Now I must go and get some sleep, so that I can be ready to enjoy another superb day tomorrow!
Arctica Cunningham, Shad University of New Brunswick
Hometown: Telkwa, BC
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 15 - Day 13
Here I am on Sunday morning writing a blog I was supposed to write on Friday…this just shows how much time us Shads have on a regular day. However, I wouldn’t say that Friday was an average day; it was more along the lines of the best day of my life!
If you ignore the fact that we had to wake up at seven in the morning to pile ourselves onto a bus, the rest of the day was pretty great! Forty-nine Dalhousie Shads loaded the ferry that would take us across the Northumberland Strait to spend the night camping in Prince Edward Island. While we were on the ferry, we passed the time by singing songs at the top of our lungs and taking jumping pictures (well that lasted until the people below us on the boat thought that there was thunder and lightning).
Once we departed the ferry, we were let loose in downtown Charlottetown where there was plenty of cow statues to climb, stores to shop in and hardly any restaurants to find lunch. After those few hours of “free time” we gathered at the Province House where we had a tour of the building. We saw chairs where John A. MacDonald sat and watched a short film about the history of the house.
Once that was completed, we loaded the bus again and drove to a beautiful beach where we constructed “Shad City” out of the sand. After hours of hard work, we had a beautiful sand city which we destroyed shortly after finishing.
And nothing beats ending a day watching a sunset on the beach and roasting marshmallows around a campfire.
Katie Cunningham, Shad Valley Dalhousie 2011
Hometown: Fredericton, NB
If you ignore the fact that we had to wake up at seven in the morning to pile ourselves onto a bus, the rest of the day was pretty great! Forty-nine Dalhousie Shads loaded the ferry that would take us across the Northumberland Strait to spend the night camping in Prince Edward Island. While we were on the ferry, we passed the time by singing songs at the top of our lungs and taking jumping pictures (well that lasted until the people below us on the boat thought that there was thunder and lightning).
Once we departed the ferry, we were let loose in downtown Charlottetown where there was plenty of cow statues to climb, stores to shop in and hardly any restaurants to find lunch. After those few hours of “free time” we gathered at the Province House where we had a tour of the building. We saw chairs where John A. MacDonald sat and watched a short film about the history of the house.
Once that was completed, we loaded the bus again and drove to a beautiful beach where we constructed “Shad City” out of the sand. After hours of hard work, we had a beautiful sand city which we destroyed shortly after finishing.
And nothing beats ending a day watching a sunset on the beach and roasting marshmallows around a campfire.
Katie Cunningham, Shad Valley Dalhousie 2011
Hometown: Fredericton, NB
July 15 - Day 13
Sightseeing and Singing
Today was an especially exciting day for the Shads at Université Laval: we went sightseeing in Québec City. We hopped on the bus to Vieux Québec after breakfast. Our visit started with a guided tour of the fortifications of Québec. The city was remarkably well-guarded; it's not surprising that it withstood so many battles over time (although it was occupied by the British at one point).
After the tour, we enjoyed lunch at the Parc de l'Artillerie, before starting a 'photo-safari'. Those among us who had never visited the city soon learned that Québec is very hilly.
Finally, we were given the chance to roam free. Many chose to shop, and grab dinner along the way.
Puis, nous sommes retournés à l'université. Nous avons travaillé un peu dans nos comités, (je suis dans le comité de 'monthbook',) et après, nous avons fait du karaoké.
J'avais fait le karaoké seulement une fois auparavant. J'ai décidé de l'essayer quand même. Ce n'était pas gênant et je me suis bien amusée. Je me suis rendue compte qu'il y a plusieurs Shads avec du vrai talent.
Je suis ravie d'être entourée de tous ces gens fantastiques!
Alex Cabaj, Shad Unversité Laval 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Today was an especially exciting day for the Shads at Université Laval: we went sightseeing in Québec City. We hopped on the bus to Vieux Québec after breakfast. Our visit started with a guided tour of the fortifications of Québec. The city was remarkably well-guarded; it's not surprising that it withstood so many battles over time (although it was occupied by the British at one point).
After the tour, we enjoyed lunch at the Parc de l'Artillerie, before starting a 'photo-safari'. Those among us who had never visited the city soon learned that Québec is very hilly.
Finally, we were given the chance to roam free. Many chose to shop, and grab dinner along the way.
Puis, nous sommes retournés à l'université. Nous avons travaillé un peu dans nos comités, (je suis dans le comité de 'monthbook',) et après, nous avons fait du karaoké.
J'avais fait le karaoké seulement une fois auparavant. J'ai décidé de l'essayer quand même. Ce n'était pas gênant et je me suis bien amusée. Je me suis rendue compte qu'il y a plusieurs Shads avec du vrai talent.
Je suis ravie d'être entourée de tous ces gens fantastiques!
Alex Cabaj, Shad Unversité Laval 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Thursday, July 14, 2011
July 14 - Day 12
Day 12: Mass Spectrometry and Bellydancing
Unlike the other Shads who blogged earlier, I did not wake up by alarm clock.
Instead, it was the frantic yelling in the halls because a friend locked herself out of her room and was looking for her roommate who happened to be showering. I think that's happened to almost all of us at least once since the start of Shad.
And then came breakfast, along with the schedule for the day. We would have our lectures, eat lunch, and then tour the chemistry labs. And after that would be our favourite - rec time! I thought maybe we would play frisbee, have a rematch of Capture the Flag, or even be treated to another climb up the Alpine Tower. I thought wrong. It turned out that today's recreation was an option of...Afro-Latino cardio or belly dancing!
I laughed so hard when I first heard it. I laughed until I found out it wasn't a joke.
So after breakfast, we had our lectures, which were both about nuclear energy. Incidentally, the fire alarm went off in the middle, just after Dr. Dave Brock (one of the coolest chemists in the world) spoke about Americium in smoke detectors.
After lunch, we walked over to the Nuclear Research Building, where we learned about NMR, combustion analysis, mass spectrometry, and X-rays in the labs. It was incredible to see everything firsthand.
When the tour was finally over, everyone was pumped for rec. Some of us were a little sceptical about belly dancing, but hey, it was a perfect opportunity to try something new. It turned out to be the best rec yet!!! I probably got more of a workout from laughing than hip-shaking.
After dinner, we had Shad Speaks, all of them entertaining, all of them inspiring. Then we had some pod time (pods: teams for the Design Challenge) and some committee time. I'm helping to organize our Variety Show. It'll be great - everyone's so talented!
Before going up to bed, we had an hour of Podtainment. My pod was in charge of entertaining the rest of the Shads for an hour and a half. It was a blur of improv, crazy miming, and rambunctious laughter. Before we knew it, the PA's called for bedtime.
I'm looking forward to sleep right now, but only so that I can be ready for tomorrow!
Priscilla, Shad Valley McMaster University 2011
Hometown: Markham, ON
Unlike the other Shads who blogged earlier, I did not wake up by alarm clock.
Instead, it was the frantic yelling in the halls because a friend locked herself out of her room and was looking for her roommate who happened to be showering. I think that's happened to almost all of us at least once since the start of Shad.
And then came breakfast, along with the schedule for the day. We would have our lectures, eat lunch, and then tour the chemistry labs. And after that would be our favourite - rec time! I thought maybe we would play frisbee, have a rematch of Capture the Flag, or even be treated to another climb up the Alpine Tower. I thought wrong. It turned out that today's recreation was an option of...Afro-Latino cardio or belly dancing!
I laughed so hard when I first heard it. I laughed until I found out it wasn't a joke.
So after breakfast, we had our lectures, which were both about nuclear energy. Incidentally, the fire alarm went off in the middle, just after Dr. Dave Brock (one of the coolest chemists in the world) spoke about Americium in smoke detectors.
After lunch, we walked over to the Nuclear Research Building, where we learned about NMR, combustion analysis, mass spectrometry, and X-rays in the labs. It was incredible to see everything firsthand.
When the tour was finally over, everyone was pumped for rec. Some of us were a little sceptical about belly dancing, but hey, it was a perfect opportunity to try something new. It turned out to be the best rec yet!!! I probably got more of a workout from laughing than hip-shaking.
After dinner, we had Shad Speaks, all of them entertaining, all of them inspiring. Then we had some pod time (pods: teams for the Design Challenge) and some committee time. I'm helping to organize our Variety Show. It'll be great - everyone's so talented!
Before going up to bed, we had an hour of Podtainment. My pod was in charge of entertaining the rest of the Shads for an hour and a half. It was a blur of improv, crazy miming, and rambunctious laughter. Before we knew it, the PA's called for bedtime.
I'm looking forward to sleep right now, but only so that I can be ready for tomorrow!
Priscilla, Shad Valley McMaster University 2011
Hometown: Markham, ON
July 14 - Day 12
Today has been yet another action-packed day of Shad. Waking up to my carefully planned system of three alarm clocks, I trudged downstairs for the delicious breakfast provided to us every morning. Realizing I had less than fifteen minutes to get ready, I grabbed a banana and a bite of cereal, and rushed to our first lecture of the day with my fellow Waterloo Shads – making it on Shad time, of course!
After a fascinating lecture on how to mathematically model the blurring of light, a group of several Shads and I headed off to the last of four workshops on quantum mechanics. Throughout the past couple of days, Martin Laforest from the Institute for Quantum Computing has been teaching us about the basics of quantum mechanics. Today, we learned about quantum cryptography, and how it can be used to encrypt an unbreakable message – the only way to break such a message would require defying the laws of physics! However, the best part was definitely getting a tour of the laboratories in the IQC where cutting-edge quantum mechanics research is done. After our workshop, Martin joined us at our residence at Conrad Grebel University College for a delicious home-made lunch.
Later in the day, we received a lecture on bubbles – it is quite surprising how much one can learn simply from observing the behaviour of bubbles! For example, they explain the concept of self-assembly of systems such as the phospholipid bilayer of cells, and can be studied to help plan city roads. Plus, they’re fun to look at!
Next, of course, came project time. My group and I are focusing on helping children with dyscalculia, a condition which involves extreme difficulty in understanding mathematics. It is comparable to dyslexia. We have been hard at work trying to develop a solution to help older children with dyscalculia cope with difficulties they may encounter in everyday life due to the condition, such as managing money when shopping or keeping track of time.
Tomorrow is going to be the release of the last Harry Potter film, and I know it will be a sombre day for many of us Waterloo Shads who will be missing it. But when all is said and done, none of us regret coming to Shad in the least, and I’m sure tomorrow’s action-packed day will quickly take our minds off the lack of Harry Potter!
It is astounding how much has happened in the twelve days that have passed since the first day of Shad Valley. Whether it’s going to lectures, or meeting with guest speakers from the Bank of Canada and RIM, or even camping and being bitten by over 90mosquitoes, every single day has brought new and eye-opening experiences. And, of course, I have met forty-seven amazingly gifted people who have quickly become some of my best friends.
Joanna Wang, Shad University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
After a fascinating lecture on how to mathematically model the blurring of light, a group of several Shads and I headed off to the last of four workshops on quantum mechanics. Throughout the past couple of days, Martin Laforest from the Institute for Quantum Computing has been teaching us about the basics of quantum mechanics. Today, we learned about quantum cryptography, and how it can be used to encrypt an unbreakable message – the only way to break such a message would require defying the laws of physics! However, the best part was definitely getting a tour of the laboratories in the IQC where cutting-edge quantum mechanics research is done. After our workshop, Martin joined us at our residence at Conrad Grebel University College for a delicious home-made lunch.
Later in the day, we received a lecture on bubbles – it is quite surprising how much one can learn simply from observing the behaviour of bubbles! For example, they explain the concept of self-assembly of systems such as the phospholipid bilayer of cells, and can be studied to help plan city roads. Plus, they’re fun to look at!
Next, of course, came project time. My group and I are focusing on helping children with dyscalculia, a condition which involves extreme difficulty in understanding mathematics. It is comparable to dyslexia. We have been hard at work trying to develop a solution to help older children with dyscalculia cope with difficulties they may encounter in everyday life due to the condition, such as managing money when shopping or keeping track of time.
Tomorrow is going to be the release of the last Harry Potter film, and I know it will be a sombre day for many of us Waterloo Shads who will be missing it. But when all is said and done, none of us regret coming to Shad in the least, and I’m sure tomorrow’s action-packed day will quickly take our minds off the lack of Harry Potter!
It is astounding how much has happened in the twelve days that have passed since the first day of Shad Valley. Whether it’s going to lectures, or meeting with guest speakers from the Bank of Canada and RIM, or even camping and being bitten by over 90mosquitoes, every single day has brought new and eye-opening experiences. And, of course, I have met forty-seven amazingly gifted people who have quickly become some of my best friends.
Joanna Wang, Shad University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
July 14 - Day 12
The twelfth day of Shad started perfectly with overcast, giving us a break from the usual scorching heat. After breakfast, we trekked downhill for morning fitness. Since our community is so large, we had to divide up into groups and each group played a different fitness-related game. The game my group played was Cricket. Since the game was new to most of us, it began as a mess, but we still had lots of fun.
Next, we headed out to Head Hall for our fourth day of robotics. We have built our own robots that can move around on their own at desired velocities and shoot darts at targets. Tomorrow, we will participate in a mini contest to see which group's robot will clear a track the fastest. After lunch, we were separated into two groups to participate in math, and geology labs. In the math lab, the students had the privilege to enjoy a fine lecture on probability and to analyze the famous Game-Show problem.
Around eight, everyone returned to their rooms, full of excitement to prepare for the 70's, 80's, 90's dance. The dance kicked off with our PAs dancing to some 80's music and teaching Shads some retro moves. The night ended with cheers and laughs from everyone.
Belinda Chi, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Next, we headed out to Head Hall for our fourth day of robotics. We have built our own robots that can move around on their own at desired velocities and shoot darts at targets. Tomorrow, we will participate in a mini contest to see which group's robot will clear a track the fastest. After lunch, we were separated into two groups to participate in math, and geology labs. In the math lab, the students had the privilege to enjoy a fine lecture on probability and to analyze the famous Game-Show problem.
Around eight, everyone returned to their rooms, full of excitement to prepare for the 70's, 80's, 90's dance. The dance kicked off with our PAs dancing to some 80's music and teaching Shads some retro moves. The night ended with cheers and laughs from everyone.
Belinda Chi, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 13 - Day 11
What a great day at Shad Valley UBC! These first days have flown by so fast; it feels like only yesterday we all arrived here and first became friends. Through the first ten days, we have had many lectures and guest speakers, and the experience so far has been exceptional! I am so glad that I chose to come to Shad at UBC (arguably the best Shad campus :P).
Today started just like any other day, off to breakfast and as always, it was delicious! Bacon, hash browns, fruit, scrambled eggs, what a combination! Then we took part in our two lectures for today. First, all 52 of us Shads went to a lecture from a representative from the mining corporation Teck. He introduced us to careers in mining, and how his company is trying to be good to our environment, a truly interesting topic! Then for our second lecture, we had one of the UBC business professors give us a presentation on marketing and research which will surely help us with our research and development of our products throughout the program.
At lunch, UBC’s cafeteria outdid themselves with another delicious meal! We all sat around and ate and chatted about the upcoming events, one of which was a campus wide game of ‘The Amazing Race!’ called ‘Campus Chase!’ Everyone was paired up and given a list of tasks that had to be completed, including crossing a ‘mine’ field (actually tennis balls), blindfolded, and helping a restaurant sell cookies to three different people. Most teams dressed up for this event, and there were many very great costumes.
After this we all met up and went for supper. After supper, was a night of Shad Speaks. We had many presentations on various topics of different Shad’s interests. Overall, it was another great day at Shad UBC!
Thanks for reading everyone! Stay tuned for more from more great Shads!
Philip Hillier, Shad University of British Columbia
Hometown: Corner Brook, NL
Today started just like any other day, off to breakfast and as always, it was delicious! Bacon, hash browns, fruit, scrambled eggs, what a combination! Then we took part in our two lectures for today. First, all 52 of us Shads went to a lecture from a representative from the mining corporation Teck. He introduced us to careers in mining, and how his company is trying to be good to our environment, a truly interesting topic! Then for our second lecture, we had one of the UBC business professors give us a presentation on marketing and research which will surely help us with our research and development of our products throughout the program.
At lunch, UBC’s cafeteria outdid themselves with another delicious meal! We all sat around and ate and chatted about the upcoming events, one of which was a campus wide game of ‘The Amazing Race!’ called ‘Campus Chase!’ Everyone was paired up and given a list of tasks that had to be completed, including crossing a ‘mine’ field (actually tennis balls), blindfolded, and helping a restaurant sell cookies to three different people. Most teams dressed up for this event, and there were many very great costumes.
After this we all met up and went for supper. After supper, was a night of Shad Speaks. We had many presentations on various topics of different Shad’s interests. Overall, it was another great day at Shad UBC!
Thanks for reading everyone! Stay tuned for more from more great Shads!
Philip Hillier, Shad University of British Columbia
Hometown: Corner Brook, NL
July 13 - Day 11
This morning began at 7:30am when my unbelievably annoying alarm clock (my roommate agrees to the utmost) had the nerve to disrupt my beauty sleep and it was promptly taken care of with a large iron hammer. Fortunately, I remembered the reasons why I came to shad. This morning, I had an epiphany as to why I am here: I flew thousands of kilometres in order to spend a few precious weeks of my vacation with 49 other teenagers like me to appreciate the true value of the phenomenon we call humanity in its entirety. If this sounds cliché and similar to the stuff of textbooks and venerated bodies of law, well then it evidently appears that I am not the only intelligent life form who realizes the full implications of our existence.
In the mere weeks that I have spent at Shad, I have become well acquainted of what the human powers of creativity and morality can accomplish - our various engineering challenges may seem daunting especially under the most stressing conditions but somehow we always convert our chaotic mess of ideas into a pertinent and functional product that bedazzles everyone - even us.
In addition, the numerous lectures and seminars given by world-class professors have transformed our world in the most unimaginable of ways. Not only have they broken our insular 'teenage-model' paradigm of the world which leads to further questioning of the assumptions that we simply believe to be true but they have also been successful in encouraging us to truly think outside the box - the box being the aggregate of whatever norms or dogmas that we or the rest of society accept.
On our first day, we were given a lecture on the importance of creativity by Professor of Engineering Tim Little, and he spoke of the value of creativity in the modern world that we inhabit. Unlike previous centuries, ideas are now the most significant product of any developed economy simply because they quickly transform into commercial innovations that add additional value to our economy and bring those high-paying jobs to said country. Now this house project actually makes sense, doesn't it? From this perspective, Shad Valley may be perhaps the first experience of many of us had with expressing their unbound creativity in its purest and most brilliant that will ultimately bring happiness and more the wealth to the world. Whether or not you see Shad Valley as a philosophical insight in humanity as a whole, or as a medium through which we can channel our most powerful ability, or as summer time to enjoy, I am sure of one fact; this experience will bring us closer and you will create deep and everlasting friendships and memories with your fellow shads that will stand the test of time.
For the friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Xiang Fan, Shad Dalhousie University 2011
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
In the mere weeks that I have spent at Shad, I have become well acquainted of what the human powers of creativity and morality can accomplish - our various engineering challenges may seem daunting especially under the most stressing conditions but somehow we always convert our chaotic mess of ideas into a pertinent and functional product that bedazzles everyone - even us.
In addition, the numerous lectures and seminars given by world-class professors have transformed our world in the most unimaginable of ways. Not only have they broken our insular 'teenage-model' paradigm of the world which leads to further questioning of the assumptions that we simply believe to be true but they have also been successful in encouraging us to truly think outside the box - the box being the aggregate of whatever norms or dogmas that we or the rest of society accept.
On our first day, we were given a lecture on the importance of creativity by Professor of Engineering Tim Little, and he spoke of the value of creativity in the modern world that we inhabit. Unlike previous centuries, ideas are now the most significant product of any developed economy simply because they quickly transform into commercial innovations that add additional value to our economy and bring those high-paying jobs to said country. Now this house project actually makes sense, doesn't it? From this perspective, Shad Valley may be perhaps the first experience of many of us had with expressing their unbound creativity in its purest and most brilliant that will ultimately bring happiness and more the wealth to the world. Whether or not you see Shad Valley as a philosophical insight in humanity as a whole, or as a medium through which we can channel our most powerful ability, or as summer time to enjoy, I am sure of one fact; this experience will bring us closer and you will create deep and everlasting friendships and memories with your fellow shads that will stand the test of time.
For the friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Xiang Fan, Shad Dalhousie University 2011
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
July 13 - Day 11
We are coming close to the end of our second week here at Shad Valley UNB. Today was a very intense and exciting day! The day started off with a robotics competition. 15 teams made robots during this week and each got a chance to show off their programming skills and challenge themselves. The competition went well and three teams were rewarded UNB bags! We were honoured to have Barry Bisson around to cheer us on during the competition.
Later on during the day we met with Daryl Branscombe who gave us an inspirational lecture and also gave each Shad a copy of his book! After dinner we had a “town hall” lecture with Barry. Each Shad got the chance to ask any questions they had for him about his position as Shad Valley president and also about the Shad Valley program. We finished off the evening with time to work on our CT projects and afterwards we had a Harry Potter night! We went to the field outside our residence and played Quidditch and did a few Harry Potter skits! These first two weeks have been such a great experience, can’t wait to see what the last two weeks have to offer!!
Anna Gosine, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: St. John’s, NL
Later on during the day we met with Daryl Branscombe who gave us an inspirational lecture and also gave each Shad a copy of his book! After dinner we had a “town hall” lecture with Barry. Each Shad got the chance to ask any questions they had for him about his position as Shad Valley president and also about the Shad Valley program. We finished off the evening with time to work on our CT projects and afterwards we had a Harry Potter night! We went to the field outside our residence and played Quidditch and did a few Harry Potter skits! These first two weeks have been such a great experience, can’t wait to see what the last two weeks have to offer!!
Anna Gosine, Shad University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: St. John’s, NL
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 12 - Day 10
Today was another hectic, fun-filled day at Shad Valley Lakehead. It’s hard to believe that it has only been 10 days since I first arrived in Thunder Bay because I have made 64 new best friends in such a short amount of time!
My day started earlier than usual as my group for the talent show met up before breakfast to practice our dance to the musical, “Hairspray’s” Lady’s Choice. Shad is all about getting out of your comfort zone, and the whole community is so tight knit that although I would not normally get up on stage and dance (I am definitely not a graceful dancer) I enjoyed laughing at my own dancing and doing something fun with my friends. I knew that no one would make fun of me because we all constantly do things that we wouldn’t normally do.
The first lecture of the day occurred directly after breakfast; I was really excited about it because it was the lecture on forensic medicine, given by Dr. Michael Wilson. Dr. Wilson made the lecture fascinating by giving us case studies. The thing that I love about the lectures we get here at Shad is that they are all so interactive that you are rarely bored, even if the lecture is 3 hours long.
After lunch came fitness, in which all the firms competed in a dodge ball tournament, which my firm won! Fresh air and exercising are definitely wonderful reprieves from the rigorous academic side of the Shad curriculum.
After dinner, we all met back at the ATAC building to work in our Shad Cup groups. Shad Cup is the biggest, most important project that we have at Shad Valley and because of that, tension runs high between all group members. However, I also feel as though I learn a lot from these meetings. Every Shad excels in their own way, and I feel as though working with everyone else allows me to grow in ways I never expected. No longer do I feel like in a group project I have to assume responsibility for everything myself. Instead, all members share the responsibility and contribute our specific talents to do the best that we can. I believe I got particularly lucky with my group because even though we argue sometimes, we know how to calm down and have fun. For example, today my group did trust exercises. As lame as it sounds, these games really helped us loosen up and have fun, and strengthen our trust within our group, and by the end of the meeting, we had come up with three great new potential ideas.
Finally, after the Late Show, we all get some free time to wind down after a long day. I went to the lounge and played foosball with some of the guys. After, I sat down and began writing this piece for the blog with help from other Shads. Then, sleep deprived but content I lay down on my bed and fell asleep instantly, only to be awoken by the sound of the staff knocking on my door for room checks at 1 am. As crazy as it is, I love my Shad life!
Ally Moosabhoy, Shad Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
My day started earlier than usual as my group for the talent show met up before breakfast to practice our dance to the musical, “Hairspray’s” Lady’s Choice. Shad is all about getting out of your comfort zone, and the whole community is so tight knit that although I would not normally get up on stage and dance (I am definitely not a graceful dancer) I enjoyed laughing at my own dancing and doing something fun with my friends. I knew that no one would make fun of me because we all constantly do things that we wouldn’t normally do.
The first lecture of the day occurred directly after breakfast; I was really excited about it because it was the lecture on forensic medicine, given by Dr. Michael Wilson. Dr. Wilson made the lecture fascinating by giving us case studies. The thing that I love about the lectures we get here at Shad is that they are all so interactive that you are rarely bored, even if the lecture is 3 hours long.
After lunch came fitness, in which all the firms competed in a dodge ball tournament, which my firm won! Fresh air and exercising are definitely wonderful reprieves from the rigorous academic side of the Shad curriculum.
After dinner, we all met back at the ATAC building to work in our Shad Cup groups. Shad Cup is the biggest, most important project that we have at Shad Valley and because of that, tension runs high between all group members. However, I also feel as though I learn a lot from these meetings. Every Shad excels in their own way, and I feel as though working with everyone else allows me to grow in ways I never expected. No longer do I feel like in a group project I have to assume responsibility for everything myself. Instead, all members share the responsibility and contribute our specific talents to do the best that we can. I believe I got particularly lucky with my group because even though we argue sometimes, we know how to calm down and have fun. For example, today my group did trust exercises. As lame as it sounds, these games really helped us loosen up and have fun, and strengthen our trust within our group, and by the end of the meeting, we had come up with three great new potential ideas.
Finally, after the Late Show, we all get some free time to wind down after a long day. I went to the lounge and played foosball with some of the guys. After, I sat down and began writing this piece for the blog with help from other Shads. Then, sleep deprived but content I lay down on my bed and fell asleep instantly, only to be awoken by the sound of the staff knocking on my door for room checks at 1 am. As crazy as it is, I love my Shad life!
Ally Moosabhoy, Shad Lakehead University 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
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