Is this really only the fifth day we were at Shad? It seems like it's been forever but in a good way. Today I woke up at 7:20am and headed down to meet the rest of the Shads in the Grand Salon. Cafeteria bound, we trotted along the green lawns of the Laval campus, chatter filling the air. Following a filling breakfast of waffles, fruits, and so many other things, we headed to Kruger for a workshop. The Kruger building is absolutely stunning. You can smell the wood and see green plants everywhere and sunlight streams through the windows. Today we discussed the different problems that affect children with special needs as that is the theme for the Shad Cup this year. We split up into groups based on the category that most interested us (for me, it was human relations), and way too soon, it was lunch. Newly filled up with food we trudged to the POP building. It's darker and it's cold there, but I guess it's okay. We had a seminar hosted by Nicholas on the difference between designing and engineering and what goes in to making a product, and the basic steps. After hearing our theme everyone automatically came up with possible solutions, but we were told that we should be asking questions, thinking of more problems, and THEN at the end, think of a solution.
Physical Activity came next and we all walked to a field and played Ultimate. Everything got jumbled and crazy because there was so many people playing at the same time, but crazy in a fun way. And once again, it was time to be fed. It seems like we're eating so much these days! After dinner we had free time and a group of us went and played a volleyball game. And now, we're here in the computer lab working on our projects, so I guess this is it! Shad has been incredible for the past few days and I can't wait to become even closer with everyone.
Hillary Cheng, Shad Valley Laval 2011
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July 7 - Day 5
The topics of the day were Engineering and Medical Device Development. Both were extremely interesting and helpful as this year's project theme is designing a product for disabled Canadian children. The involvement of the amazing Spiderman in demonstrating the concepts of engineering was, well, amazing.
Rec time consisted of an intense game of ultimate frisbee. All the Shads got deeply involved in the game instantly, bringing out their competitive spirits.
In afternoon seminar, we were introduced to the principles of project management. A challenge of planning and building a tower from various office supplies was assigned. After much deliberation, my group finally triumphed(ish). Although I'm not sure how much of the principles I will remember, the activity definitely foreshadowed the challenges to come in our House projects.
Speaking of which, today I was particularly surprised at how productive House time was. My group had our fair share of debates during brainstorming sessions, but we managed to come up with several ideas to conduct further research on. It is going to be a challenging month ahead, but I'm sure that it will be an experience that we will all remember.
Weijie Liu, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Rec time consisted of an intense game of ultimate frisbee. All the Shads got deeply involved in the game instantly, bringing out their competitive spirits.
In afternoon seminar, we were introduced to the principles of project management. A challenge of planning and building a tower from various office supplies was assigned. After much deliberation, my group finally triumphed(ish). Although I'm not sure how much of the principles I will remember, the activity definitely foreshadowed the challenges to come in our House projects.
Speaking of which, today I was particularly surprised at how productive House time was. My group had our fair share of debates during brainstorming sessions, but we managed to come up with several ideas to conduct further research on. It is going to be a challenging month ahead, but I'm sure that it will be an experience that we will all remember.
Weijie Liu, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2011
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July 6 - Day 4
It was 5:40am and off went my alarm… Once again I found myself still half asleep and questioning why I chose to do these 5 km runs early in the morning. Is it because I’m an excellent runner and find it easy? Is it because I love waking up early? Or, is it because I enjoy the self-induced pain that goes with the runs? No, I’m not a great runner, I love to sleep in and I certainly don’t enjoy pain…but what drives me to do so is that Shad is the time for trying something new. For a few, they may not have ever run 5 km before, yet they were willing to try. These early morning runs are definitely part of the Shad Valley McMaster University experience for it is the strength, the perseverance and the willpower which all of us here possess that continues to drive us through these challenging runs every morning.
After breakfast, it was the time that many were waiting for; the topic for this year’s Design-Entrepreneurial Project Launch was at last revealed. The theme would be: “Breaking down barriers of Canadian children – How might we improve the life for a Canadian child with a disability?” To help introduce the theme and get things going, the morning was topped off with a lecture about individuals with various abilities and disabilities.
Today’s lunch was the “President’s Luncheon,” (our second formal meal so far) and while the president was unfortunately unable to attend, it was our pleasure to be in the company of Dr. Ilene Busch-Vishniac (the Provost & VP of Academics at McMaster), as well as some other key professors here. Like all formal meals, this was another opportunity seized to “suit up”.
In the afternoon, key events included an entertaining and enlightening lecture by Dr. Nick Brontis about information bombardment. Winning a speed-reading test at the end of the lecture, I, as well as 3 others, had received autographed copies of one of his best books – “Information Bombardment: Rising Above the Digital Onslaught”. In addition, the afternoon progressed with the chance to learn either modern dance or Latin dance (the salsa and the meringue). While some of us seamlessly flowed through the elegant and complex forms of the dances, being completely inexperienced with dance, I might have struggled quite a bit… nonetheless, this was still an interesting, new experience for me and many others.
Our evening consisted of working in our D.E. project groups. We applied aspects of the “energy colour insights” to help us start off in these groups. Furthermore, we also had time to work with our separate committee groups as well (Shad Olympics Committee for me). Finally, I ended my evening with a few games of Crokinole (my first time ever playing) and then headed off to bed.
As I currently finish up this blog, the desire to get some sleep engulfs me. I know that another day of Shad ends, but tomorrow starts a new, fresh day full of learning and rich in experience.
Alvin Qiu, Shad Valley McMaster University 2011
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
After breakfast, it was the time that many were waiting for; the topic for this year’s Design-Entrepreneurial Project Launch was at last revealed. The theme would be: “Breaking down barriers of Canadian children – How might we improve the life for a Canadian child with a disability?” To help introduce the theme and get things going, the morning was topped off with a lecture about individuals with various abilities and disabilities.
Today’s lunch was the “President’s Luncheon,” (our second formal meal so far) and while the president was unfortunately unable to attend, it was our pleasure to be in the company of Dr. Ilene Busch-Vishniac (the Provost & VP of Academics at McMaster), as well as some other key professors here. Like all formal meals, this was another opportunity seized to “suit up”.
In the afternoon, key events included an entertaining and enlightening lecture by Dr. Nick Brontis about information bombardment. Winning a speed-reading test at the end of the lecture, I, as well as 3 others, had received autographed copies of one of his best books – “Information Bombardment: Rising Above the Digital Onslaught”. In addition, the afternoon progressed with the chance to learn either modern dance or Latin dance (the salsa and the meringue). While some of us seamlessly flowed through the elegant and complex forms of the dances, being completely inexperienced with dance, I might have struggled quite a bit… nonetheless, this was still an interesting, new experience for me and many others.
Our evening consisted of working in our D.E. project groups. We applied aspects of the “energy colour insights” to help us start off in these groups. Furthermore, we also had time to work with our separate committee groups as well (Shad Olympics Committee for me). Finally, I ended my evening with a few games of Crokinole (my first time ever playing) and then headed off to bed.
As I currently finish up this blog, the desire to get some sleep engulfs me. I know that another day of Shad ends, but tomorrow starts a new, fresh day full of learning and rich in experience.
Alvin Qiu, Shad Valley McMaster University 2011
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
July 6 - Day 4
Recently, at Shad Valley, there have been a lot of firsts. For example, this is the first time I’ve ever written a blog post! Today, especially, many of the things we did at Queen's University were new to me.
I began the morning by missing out on the morning run by sleeping in. I guess that just goes to show how tiring and busy Shad life can be. After our usual breakfast at Leonard Hall, we heard two lectures. One was an introduction to materials engineering and the other was about teamwork. Following the lectures, we had our recreation time. We were told before coming to Queen's to bring a white t-shirt for tie-dying, and today was the day we got to do it. Another first! I have never done this in my life and it was an interesting experience to say the least. We let the shirts dry on a line while we had our lunch.
Today we were also introduced to four workshops that we could choose to attend throughout the month. I ended up going to the workshop about bridge building. After we discussed some theoretical knowledge, such as types of bridge structures and the types of forces that are applied to them, we built our own bridge. I later heard about the other workshops that took place, and it definitely made me more excited for the next three.
After returning to Leonard Hall and eating dinner, we were introduced to the main project. For the next two and a half weeks, we will be working on a project that is meant to help improve the quality of life of a Canadian child with a disability. While we do have two other projects at the moment, this has been the first time in a while that doing work is not all that bad. Unlike school where there is the constant pressure and stress, these group projects are really fun to work on. It’s only been 4 days, but already it feels as if we have all known each other for such a long time. We are all finally getting settled into all the routines and activities that go on, but no matter how routine things are, each day brings another new surprise at Queen's.
Perhaps tomorrow, I will be less tired and maybe be able to run in the mornings for the first time!
Bryan Qiu, Shad Valley Queen's University 2011
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
I began the morning by missing out on the morning run by sleeping in. I guess that just goes to show how tiring and busy Shad life can be. After our usual breakfast at Leonard Hall, we heard two lectures. One was an introduction to materials engineering and the other was about teamwork. Following the lectures, we had our recreation time. We were told before coming to Queen's to bring a white t-shirt for tie-dying, and today was the day we got to do it. Another first! I have never done this in my life and it was an interesting experience to say the least. We let the shirts dry on a line while we had our lunch.
Today we were also introduced to four workshops that we could choose to attend throughout the month. I ended up going to the workshop about bridge building. After we discussed some theoretical knowledge, such as types of bridge structures and the types of forces that are applied to them, we built our own bridge. I later heard about the other workshops that took place, and it definitely made me more excited for the next three.
After returning to Leonard Hall and eating dinner, we were introduced to the main project. For the next two and a half weeks, we will be working on a project that is meant to help improve the quality of life of a Canadian child with a disability. While we do have two other projects at the moment, this has been the first time in a while that doing work is not all that bad. Unlike school where there is the constant pressure and stress, these group projects are really fun to work on. It’s only been 4 days, but already it feels as if we have all known each other for such a long time. We are all finally getting settled into all the routines and activities that go on, but no matter how routine things are, each day brings another new surprise at Queen's.
Perhaps tomorrow, I will be less tired and maybe be able to run in the mornings for the first time!
Bryan Qiu, Shad Valley Queen's University 2011
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
July 6 - Day 4
Ring! Ring!
That's what we all heard at 6am this moring when we had our first fire drill. Dizzily, we jumped out of bed and went out into the cold morning. Clearly not a typical way of waking up to another exciting day at Shad Valley, but we were still ecstatic for the day's activities and to hang out with everyone (Yes, EVERYONE).
It's only been 3 days and it seems like we're just as comfortable to talk to anyone as if we've known them for months. As usual, the meals at McConnell Hall were amazing and the dining hall is also classically beautiful. Today, we divided into groups. Some of us went on an excruciatingly hot but worthwhile walk to Stan Cassidy Center (which is a rehabilitation centre), where we were given a tour of the unique technology and were also given insight to the lives of those with physical or mental disabilities. All that we learned will definitely help us with our theme. After, we invested in stocks (just a simulation of course) pretending to be like the world's richest people.
The night was lively and exciting. It started off with figuring out the problems different groups would solve relating to the theme. Amazingly, we narrowed down 59 ideas to a few strong ones. Then, another voting procedure was done to decide T-shirt colors. Shouts, clapping and drum rolls filled our lecture room. To finish the day off, we had game night. It was my first time playing Apples to Apples and it was...well, very interesting.
Waking up at 6am and sleeping at 12am here at UNB seems crazy, but it's definitely the enriching experience we were all promised. I now realize it's not only going to be an insight to university life...but a unique magnifying glass to life itself and all the relationships to be gained. If you know you can be one of many unique Shads, there is no argument to be made to not go for it!
Ara Dungca, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
That's what we all heard at 6am this moring when we had our first fire drill. Dizzily, we jumped out of bed and went out into the cold morning. Clearly not a typical way of waking up to another exciting day at Shad Valley, but we were still ecstatic for the day's activities and to hang out with everyone (Yes, EVERYONE).
It's only been 3 days and it seems like we're just as comfortable to talk to anyone as if we've known them for months. As usual, the meals at McConnell Hall were amazing and the dining hall is also classically beautiful. Today, we divided into groups. Some of us went on an excruciatingly hot but worthwhile walk to Stan Cassidy Center (which is a rehabilitation centre), where we were given a tour of the unique technology and were also given insight to the lives of those with physical or mental disabilities. All that we learned will definitely help us with our theme. After, we invested in stocks (just a simulation of course) pretending to be like the world's richest people.
The night was lively and exciting. It started off with figuring out the problems different groups would solve relating to the theme. Amazingly, we narrowed down 59 ideas to a few strong ones. Then, another voting procedure was done to decide T-shirt colors. Shouts, clapping and drum rolls filled our lecture room. To finish the day off, we had game night. It was my first time playing Apples to Apples and it was...well, very interesting.
Waking up at 6am and sleeping at 12am here at UNB seems crazy, but it's definitely the enriching experience we were all promised. I now realize it's not only going to be an insight to university life...but a unique magnifying glass to life itself and all the relationships to be gained. If you know you can be one of many unique Shads, there is no argument to be made to not go for it!
Ara Dungca, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick 2011
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
July 5 - Day 3
I’ve been to lots of summer camps and different types of programs. It’s only the second full day of Shad Valley Waterloo 2011, and this is already the most fun I’ve ever had at anything like this! Everybody here is so amazingly gifted and talented, and it’s such an honor to be immersed in this kind of genius all day, every day. Conrad Grebel University College, which is where we sleep and eat, is amazing! The home-cooked food is fantastic, including the vegetarian options and my roommate AND room are great!
So today and yesterday, we’ve been in Designer Boot Camp. We’ve had several lectures/seminars/workshops focused on getting from a complex problem all the way down to a solution. There are so many more steps than I thought, and so far this information has been absolutely fascinating and useful. Also today, we had Music Night-we had to split into groups and come up with a musical presentation. The mix of musicians and, well…non-musicians provided some great entertainment. My group’s sing-along rendition of Twinkle Twinkle definitely stole the show. I loved hearing everyone’s unique gifts that they were brave enough to share with us.
If you are a student reading this and considering applying for the program (that’s what I did), DO IT. I can already tell that it is going to be a life-changing experience, and I’m so excited to see what the rest of the month brings.
Bethany Dickey, Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: Dartmouth, NS
So today and yesterday, we’ve been in Designer Boot Camp. We’ve had several lectures/seminars/workshops focused on getting from a complex problem all the way down to a solution. There are so many more steps than I thought, and so far this information has been absolutely fascinating and useful. Also today, we had Music Night-we had to split into groups and come up with a musical presentation. The mix of musicians and, well…non-musicians provided some great entertainment. My group’s sing-along rendition of Twinkle Twinkle definitely stole the show. I loved hearing everyone’s unique gifts that they were brave enough to share with us.
If you are a student reading this and considering applying for the program (that’s what I did), DO IT. I can already tell that it is going to be a life-changing experience, and I’m so excited to see what the rest of the month brings.
Bethany Dickey, Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2011
Hometown: Dartmouth, NS
July 5 - Day 3
Beep! Beep! Beep!... no that’s not the sound of my alarm clock early this morning but the sound of the construction machinery outside my window, but it did serve to be multipurpose as it was just the right time to get up and start the busy day! The day started early at 6:45 for morning recreation; today my group had an introduction to Tai Chi with Dr. Lye. It was sunny and great weather the whole time! We’ve been warned however that even though we’ve brought this sunshine with us, the famous Newfoundland rain is sure to come.
Soon it was off to a quick breakfast before heading to our morning lectures. After hearing a little about customer needs and then machine vision, we headed into our afternoon with different seminars. My seminar was about my social style and I got to learn all about how I interact with others. It was really useful and a great presentation complete with interactive games and all! We then rushed off to the Field House to use the variety of services available for afternoon rec.
Next came a typical Shad moment - a competition. Which house could make the best kite? This question was proposed to Shad house teams today. Of course the competition was fierce yet the challenge was a blast! Kites based upon aesthetics, design and functionality all had their unique team twist. In between all the craziness we were able to learn all about the 47 other awesome Shads at our campus! I cannot believe it is only our third day here and I’ve already met and learned about so many of the amazing Shads! This MUNth is sure to be amazing!
Jacquie Gulevich, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland 2011
Hometown: Fort St. John, BC
Soon it was off to a quick breakfast before heading to our morning lectures. After hearing a little about customer needs and then machine vision, we headed into our afternoon with different seminars. My seminar was about my social style and I got to learn all about how I interact with others. It was really useful and a great presentation complete with interactive games and all! We then rushed off to the Field House to use the variety of services available for afternoon rec.
Next came a typical Shad moment - a competition. Which house could make the best kite? This question was proposed to Shad house teams today. Of course the competition was fierce yet the challenge was a blast! Kites based upon aesthetics, design and functionality all had their unique team twist. In between all the craziness we were able to learn all about the 47 other awesome Shads at our campus! I cannot believe it is only our third day here and I’ve already met and learned about so many of the amazing Shads! This MUNth is sure to be amazing!Jacquie Gulevich, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland 2011
Hometown: Fort St. John, BC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)