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
