It's 12am. Not too shabby for a blog post.
Tired, again, so I'll try to keep straight to the point, with a little flare here and there.
This morning, I woke up with the correct time zone on my alarm clock, which meant I had some nice sleep in. I went to breakfast where we had French toast, sausages, bacon and eggs. We started our day off by going to a lecture hall at the Foreward Building (how relevant) where we had various speakers come in and talk to us. One of them being our program director at Shad UBC. He discussed economics and entrepreneurship with us, and how he despises certain capitalists but loves the Grameen Bank. I really enjoyed him. The networking opportunities here are endless. We also enjoyed our tech advisor's presentation on the engineer design process. Another speaker was from Telus advising us to develop our core skills and follow our passions. And last was a Harvard Med School graduate who now researches and studies sleep at UBC. Us 52 Shads here asked an hour and a half worth of sleep questions. Everywhere and anywhere from sleepwalking to homeostasis. Let's just say, today I learned a heck of a lot. I can only imagine what's to come. At the lecture hall we were also given a few details on our Project House. All Shads across Canada will find out the "theme" tomorrow...it's a surprise!
Later on in the day we did Recreation (Rec for short). We played this game called assassin, but I "died" in the opening minute, so we played an hour of ultimate frisbee instead. Some staff here have quite the "ultimate" skills.
Dinner was served at 5:15pm today. I left early because I had to prepare and practice my "Shad speaks" presentation. We were given free range of choice on any topic to discuss for up to 15min. I did a presentation that I had prepared for an American History course I did this past semester. I led a deep discussion on my topic which was really exciting. When I did the presentation back at school, the responses to the questions I posed involved one word answers. But here at Shad, people could not stop raising their hands and questioning my topic. The issues did not seem alien or foreign to anyone, and appreciation by all Shads was evident. I witnessed first hand the type of personalities Shad Valley brings together-youth who have a keen interest in learning and solving problems. What I liked most was that people cared. It was awesome.
We fit in 8 speeches today because there was so much interest in everyone's topics. I'm really excited to see what my other fellow Shads are passionate about.
After presentations were over at 10pm, I hung out in the common room with the Shads who still had energy stored away for this fun time of the day. Everyone was on their laptop updating family and friends of the several new happenings here today. We rented a drum set and keyboard so people were also jamming away to various songs and beats. It's quite the atmosphere at Shad UBC in the late hours. I had an intriguing conversation at 10:45 with a PA (program assistant). We talked for almost an hour on common interests we shared including law and debating. This was an eye opener. It made me realize that Shad students are not only science-based entrepreneurs, but science-based entrepreneurs who are well-rounded with several interests.
Oh golly gee, it's 12:30am Pacific time...I think. I'll have to double check that one! Anyways, I should probably head out now. I keep hearing of the busyness of our days now. Tomorrow, the big secret will be revealed and we begin getting down and dirty into the energy sucker tasks. Should I say yay?
I'm not too sure, though I know I will say bye and goodnight.
Carolyn Chong, Shad Valley University of British Columbia 2010
Hometown: Dundas, Ontario
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
48 Hours
It’s been 48 hours. Much has been said and much has been done. Something special has been built connecting the 59 of us. Something that can only grow – a community. Today, June 29th was just the third day, but to us we’ve known each other for eternity. The morning started off with another inspirational speech on “Shad by Design” in our Designer Boot camp. We learned how our world is filled with many complex problems, and it is important to realize that many steps are required to achieve a solution. And to get a better solution, we must raise our standards and challenge ourselves.
After an amazing lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, fruits, soup and carrot cake (thanks to the Mennonite community), we finished off our lesson on design. We were then separated into groups of 8 and told that during dinner, we had think of a musical piece, which we had to then perform after dinner. Although each group had varying amounts of musical experience (some oboe players, some pianists and others with no idea what to do), we all performed extremely well! Before our 10:00 snack, we took half an hour to reflect on our experience so far. This period of time was spent with each of us on our own, writing in our journals on what Shad meant to us so far. For me, it was the people, and the things I learned from them. They are all truly amazing, every last one of them – no exceptions. They are forever engrained in my heart, and you know what? It’s only been 48 hours.
Prarthana Chandran, Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2010
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
After an amazing lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, fruits, soup and carrot cake (thanks to the Mennonite community), we finished off our lesson on design. We were then separated into groups of 8 and told that during dinner, we had think of a musical piece, which we had to then perform after dinner. Although each group had varying amounts of musical experience (some oboe players, some pianists and others with no idea what to do), we all performed extremely well! Before our 10:00 snack, we took half an hour to reflect on our experience so far. This period of time was spent with each of us on our own, writing in our journals on what Shad meant to us so far. For me, it was the people, and the things I learned from them. They are all truly amazing, every last one of them – no exceptions. They are forever engrained in my heart, and you know what? It’s only been 48 hours.
Prarthana Chandran, Shad Valley University of Waterloo 2010
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
It was only 4 days ago when my twin brother and I hit the road with Mom and Dad for a two-day drive to our assigned universities… Now here I am pursuing success and excellence, making the most rewarding investment decisions, and experiencing programs like what we have had on our third day at Shad Valley.
The very early morning activity has shown some of the Shad’s strong stamina and agility during the 5k run around the McMaster campus site. Giving up wasn’t an option as all SHADs boosted each other’s confidence as we run together as a SHAD community.
The morning’s later activity has stretched our involvement scientifically as we have made instructions and documentations and built our own and each other’s time machines varying from pendulums to blowing up ballons to a sequence of complex ramps. In the afternoon, we got ourselves immersed on the “Marshmallow Challenge” where we used 20 spaghetti sticks, one metre of string, one metre of tape, and of course, one marshmallow, to build the tallest free-standing structure with a marshmallow on top. Who wouldn’t enjoy learning surprising lessons that emerged as we compared who tends to do the worst or the best?
Although the challenge is a fun activity that follows the orient to build prototype to change to make it better command, it encourages self confidence, determination, innovation, creativity, and teamwork among SHADs. It has made us to drive into new ways and to take extra steps not only to come together but also to work together and to feel better about ourselves. More importantly, these activities have shaped our attitude to achieve the ability to turn the “can’t” into can and the “power to do it”.
The afternoon has brought the SHADs fun and recreation as we participated in games such as Sword and Stone, Throw the Chicken, and Dead Grasshopper. Later in the evening, a previous SHAD at Memorial University, Newfoundland explained that life is a rollercoaster and that “a dream without action is only hallucination.” We have to take on roles, face the challenges and our fears, and look for opportunities to achieve a stronger self. Finally, we SHADS have been put into our Project groups, where each group will design, build a prototype, and refine their own project in time for Open Day at the end of Shad Valley. This project WILL test the SHADs’ abilities to analyze each other’s strengths, to use these strengths for the good of the group, and to work together as a team to accomplish a product. Challenging? Yes, but we SHADs are up to the test.
…and while I miss my twin brother (the 27 days in Shad Valley are the first 27 days of the 16 years of our lives that we would be apart), today I have explored the possibilities of a diverse group of people communicating, sharing, and working together. This third day is one step we take to bring what we started from scratch last Sunday closer to even a less perfect Shad Valley community.
I can’t wait to let you know about tomorrow…but then, that is a story for another SHAD to tell.
Shadrielle Melijah Espiritu, Shad Valley McMaster University 2010
Hometown: Dryden, Ontario
The very early morning activity has shown some of the Shad’s strong stamina and agility during the 5k run around the McMaster campus site. Giving up wasn’t an option as all SHADs boosted each other’s confidence as we run together as a SHAD community.
The morning’s later activity has stretched our involvement scientifically as we have made instructions and documentations and built our own and each other’s time machines varying from pendulums to blowing up ballons to a sequence of complex ramps. In the afternoon, we got ourselves immersed on the “Marshmallow Challenge” where we used 20 spaghetti sticks, one metre of string, one metre of tape, and of course, one marshmallow, to build the tallest free-standing structure with a marshmallow on top. Who wouldn’t enjoy learning surprising lessons that emerged as we compared who tends to do the worst or the best?
Although the challenge is a fun activity that follows the orient to build prototype to change to make it better command, it encourages self confidence, determination, innovation, creativity, and teamwork among SHADs. It has made us to drive into new ways and to take extra steps not only to come together but also to work together and to feel better about ourselves. More importantly, these activities have shaped our attitude to achieve the ability to turn the “can’t” into can and the “power to do it”.
The afternoon has brought the SHADs fun and recreation as we participated in games such as Sword and Stone, Throw the Chicken, and Dead Grasshopper. Later in the evening, a previous SHAD at Memorial University, Newfoundland explained that life is a rollercoaster and that “a dream without action is only hallucination.” We have to take on roles, face the challenges and our fears, and look for opportunities to achieve a stronger self. Finally, we SHADS have been put into our Project groups, where each group will design, build a prototype, and refine their own project in time for Open Day at the end of Shad Valley. This project WILL test the SHADs’ abilities to analyze each other’s strengths, to use these strengths for the good of the group, and to work together as a team to accomplish a product. Challenging? Yes, but we SHADs are up to the test.
…and while I miss my twin brother (the 27 days in Shad Valley are the first 27 days of the 16 years of our lives that we would be apart), today I have explored the possibilities of a diverse group of people communicating, sharing, and working together. This third day is one step we take to bring what we started from scratch last Sunday closer to even a less perfect Shad Valley community.
I can’t wait to let you know about tomorrow…but then, that is a story for another SHAD to tell.
Shadrielle Melijah Espiritu, Shad Valley McMaster University 2010
Hometown: Dryden, Ontario
June 29 - Shad Valley Dalhousie
After only three days at Dalhousie, I can honestly say my time in Halifax is emerging as one of the best experiences of my life. I have met some of the most interesting people, whether they are Shads, PAs, or guest speakers. Today has been the best day so far, with wide agreement among the Dal Shads.
With our 6:00 AM alarm, 15 of us woke up and began our day in the best way possible: heading to the Dalplex. We did everything from swimming to weightlifting to basketball and even to ping-pong! An hour and a half later, we returned to the residence, had a quick shower and went for breakfast.
For the next two hours, we had the privilege of listening to two lectures from Tim and Ed. With Tim, we analyzed the original Spider Man comic books to determine if the actions in the series were physically possible. It turns out they are not. Ed helped us decide whether the billionaires of the world are “Heroes or Villains.” We saw several of the positive and negative effects of entrepreneurship on the world.
We then took a tour of the Dalplex facilities, although several of us were already familiar with them from our morning adventures. We played a big game of volleyball. It was really awesome to see so many different and talented athletes come together. Those who did not necessarily play sports had a great time as well. We had so many great laughs together!
Following our two-hour lunch break, we had the first seminar of the month, hosted by Tim and Jeremy. They are two of the most enthusiastic and passionate people I have ever met, and the session was divided by huge bursts of laughter, as they enjoy cracking jokes. The seminar tapped into our creative abilities. They promised us that if we believe we are creative, then we are in fact creative.
With three plates of dinner under my belt, the Shads met with our guest speaker, 1989 Shad alumnus, Ray Addington, who taught us about teamwork. It was a surprise to most of us at how difficult it can be to orally relay information. We also found it very difficult to build a tower of spaghetti and gumdrops. In the end, House 4 narrowly won the competition.
The Shadspeaks were amazing! One of the best parts of the experience so far has been getting to know the other Shads, and learning so many interesting things about so many interesting people!
After brownies and milk, exhaustion set in and we all quickly went to bed. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the month has in store!
Miles Marchand, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2010
Hometown: Kamloops, British Columbia
With our 6:00 AM alarm, 15 of us woke up and began our day in the best way possible: heading to the Dalplex. We did everything from swimming to weightlifting to basketball and even to ping-pong! An hour and a half later, we returned to the residence, had a quick shower and went for breakfast.
For the next two hours, we had the privilege of listening to two lectures from Tim and Ed. With Tim, we analyzed the original Spider Man comic books to determine if the actions in the series were physically possible. It turns out they are not. Ed helped us decide whether the billionaires of the world are “Heroes or Villains.” We saw several of the positive and negative effects of entrepreneurship on the world.
We then took a tour of the Dalplex facilities, although several of us were already familiar with them from our morning adventures. We played a big game of volleyball. It was really awesome to see so many different and talented athletes come together. Those who did not necessarily play sports had a great time as well. We had so many great laughs together!
Following our two-hour lunch break, we had the first seminar of the month, hosted by Tim and Jeremy. They are two of the most enthusiastic and passionate people I have ever met, and the session was divided by huge bursts of laughter, as they enjoy cracking jokes. The seminar tapped into our creative abilities. They promised us that if we believe we are creative, then we are in fact creative.
With three plates of dinner under my belt, the Shads met with our guest speaker, 1989 Shad alumnus, Ray Addington, who taught us about teamwork. It was a surprise to most of us at how difficult it can be to orally relay information. We also found it very difficult to build a tower of spaghetti and gumdrops. In the end, House 4 narrowly won the competition.
The Shadspeaks were amazing! One of the best parts of the experience so far has been getting to know the other Shads, and learning so many interesting things about so many interesting people!
After brownies and milk, exhaustion set in and we all quickly went to bed. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the month has in store!
Miles Marchand, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2010
Hometown: Kamloops, British Columbia
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday June 28
Today has been the busiest day ever! I woke up bright and early at 6:45 and had my first meal at the cafeteria. Breakfast was delicious, I especially like the set up of the cafeteria.
After breakfast we went to the Multipurpose Room and started our very first activity. We did an activity where we learned about design and then prepared a prototype for a product. My team designed a windbreaker, and I was very impressed with our final product. The activity was really enjoyable because it opened my eyes all the skills required to design everyday products. As well it helped me learn everyone's names as this is my first real day of Shad.
After lunch we did some team building exercises in the architecture pit. This is the first time in my life I have made so many new friends in a matter of hours. We also did a very moving trust building exercise which opened my eyes to the Shads around me.
In the evening after dinner we had our opening ceremonies and I learned very much from an aboriginal speaker, including the fact that "yo" has been said by natives for thousands of years and is not just a "rap term". Afterwards we split off into our commitees and now I am off to sleep.
Au Revoir!
Zea Cline, Shad Valley Carleton University 2010
Hometown: St. John's, Newfoundland
After breakfast we went to the Multipurpose Room and started our very first activity. We did an activity where we learned about design and then prepared a prototype for a product. My team designed a windbreaker, and I was very impressed with our final product. The activity was really enjoyable because it opened my eyes all the skills required to design everyday products. As well it helped me learn everyone's names as this is my first real day of Shad.
After lunch we did some team building exercises in the architecture pit. This is the first time in my life I have made so many new friends in a matter of hours. We also did a very moving trust building exercise which opened my eyes to the Shads around me.
In the evening after dinner we had our opening ceremonies and I learned very much from an aboriginal speaker, including the fact that "yo" has been said by natives for thousands of years and is not just a "rap term". Afterwards we split off into our commitees and now I am off to sleep.
Au Revoir!
Zea Cline, Shad Valley Carleton University 2010
Hometown: St. John's, Newfoundland
Memorial University Campus - June 28
Graduation, safe grad activities all night long, several hours in airplanes and airports and now I find myself, on the first full day of Shad Valley, fully immersed in the program. Although the first few hours of yesterday could have been described as « awkward » at best, 24 hours later I find myself surrounded by people I’m comfortable with, that I enjoy being around, people I can call friends for next 27 days and on.
Our day started early, we had morning recreational activities at 7, with more later on in the day. The lectures were great, with topics ranging from the pros and cons of patenting, to the science behind a Sudoku. I must say the highlight of the day, was getting into our house groups. We were assigned a colored t-shirt and a poster, which we would need to make into our house logo. We also made a chant for our team. After some time in the gym, we hastily got ready for the welcoming banquet, which started in 5 minutes. It was great – great food, great people, and a fun experience all around. To burn off all of those extra calories, we concluded the day with a scavenger hunt around the massive campus, which has over 14000 students and 55 buildings. The prize? A MUN T-Shirt, which our team ended up winning!
Overall, a great first full day of Shad Valley! I’m looking forward to the next 27!
Bye!
Alexandre Deslongchamps, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland 2010
Hometown: Fredericton, New Brunswick
Our day started early, we had morning recreational activities at 7, with more later on in the day. The lectures were great, with topics ranging from the pros and cons of patenting, to the science behind a Sudoku. I must say the highlight of the day, was getting into our house groups. We were assigned a colored t-shirt and a poster, which we would need to make into our house logo. We also made a chant for our team. After some time in the gym, we hastily got ready for the welcoming banquet, which started in 5 minutes. It was great – great food, great people, and a fun experience all around. To burn off all of those extra calories, we concluded the day with a scavenger hunt around the massive campus, which has over 14000 students and 55 buildings. The prize? A MUN T-Shirt, which our team ended up winning!
Overall, a great first full day of Shad Valley! I’m looking forward to the next 27!
Bye!
Alexandre Deslongchamps, Shad Valley Memorial University of Newfoundland 2010
Hometown: Fredericton, New Brunswick
And So It Begins
6:55 am – Having just woken up with only seven hours of interrupted sleep (m
ost people waking up for a 5:30 gym visit at the DalPlex) and only four hours of sleep the night before, I have never felt more awake. Both the staff and the students seem to have an energy that just radiates through the building!
1:15 pm – After an intense (and just awesome) morning of competition, in the form of a campus wide picture scavenger hunt in the rain, 50 soaking wet Shad’s marched into Howe Hall and sat down for a feast of a lunch. One burger and fries, two plates of pasta and several small cups of soda later, we are ready to go see Queen Elizabeth ll along with all other leaders of Canada in a special celebration!
5:21 pm – Oh what to write. It is just past 5 and our 1 ½ hour scheduled dinner period has begun. Currently just sitting here listening to music after a day packed with events, I realize I have never appreciated the value of dry clothes. That being said, I also have never felt so close to people I have only known for a day.
11:06 pm –My eyelids are slightly droopy with content and satisfaction, realizing all that was accomplished. As I stare at the screen and type, I am recalling the past day’s events; enough to last me three regular days at home. A word coined by our directors, Shad Standard Time precisely describes the days at Shad Valley. Although they seemed to be referring to it in regards to punctuality, I find that at Shad, so much is possible in such a short amount of time. In just over one day, I made 49 new friends (plus some really cool staff friends), founded the basis of a ten person organization (your house/team) and saw the Queen of England (with time to spare and relax with my newly found friends). With just one day of experience, I can already see that Shad is not just a one month camp, or resume booster, but rather a one month lifestyle choice with everlasting impacts.
Morgan Rosenberg, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2010
ost people waking up for a 5:30 gym visit at the DalPlex) and only four hours of sleep the night before, I have never felt more awake. Both the staff and the students seem to have an energy that just radiates through the building!1:15 pm – After an intense (and just awesome) morning of competition, in the form of a campus wide picture scavenger hunt in the rain, 50 soaking wet Shad’s marched into Howe Hall and sat down for a feast of a lunch. One burger and fries, two plates of pasta and several small cups of soda later, we are ready to go see Queen Elizabeth ll along with all other leaders of Canada in a special celebration!
5:21 pm – Oh what to write. It is just past 5 and our 1 ½ hour scheduled dinner period has begun. Currently just sitting here listening to music after a day packed with events, I realize I have never appreciated the value of dry clothes. That being said, I also have never felt so close to people I have only known for a day.11:06 pm –My eyelids are slightly droopy with content and satisfaction, realizing all that was accomplished. As I stare at the screen and type, I am recalling the past day’s events; enough to last me three regular days at home. A word coined by our directors, Shad Standard Time precisely describes the days at Shad Valley. Although they seemed to be referring to it in regards to punctuality, I find that at Shad, so much is possible in such a short amount of time. In just over one day, I made 49 new friends (plus some really cool staff friends), founded the basis of a ten person organization (your house/team) and saw the Queen of England (with time to spare and relax with my newly found friends). With just one day of experience, I can already see that Shad is not just a one month camp, or resume booster, but rather a one month lifestyle choice with everlasting impacts.
Morgan Rosenberg, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2010
Hometown: Thornhill, Ontario
Monday, June 28, 2010
What is Shad Valley?
I didn't know much before, but now that I'm here I can tell you lots more.
It's been such a great discovery - to meet each and every,
all the new faces and being courteous to everybody.
The program's filled with games and fun
but the real prize is being able to network with everyone.
My first day was amazing, from the flight in the morning until midnight, really exhilirating.
I'm so glad I took the challenge to apply to Shad Valley 2010
because the experience has been so wonderful even though it's only day one.
I have so much to look forward to,
the possibilities are endless
but the one thing that's definite is that my life would be incomplete without it.
One month with a new family, a new group of people, new friends to me, it all sounds lovely.
Of all the great things we did today the highlight was the lecture where we were given a presentation
of what we could expect in the next month
but more importantly I saw
a room filled with great role models who possess many talents.
These people are my friends, these people are my family and that, that is Shad Valley!
Justin Bansal, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick 2010
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
It's been such a great discovery - to meet each and every,
all the new faces and being courteous to everybody.
The program's filled with games and fun
but the real prize is being able to network with everyone.
My first day was amazing, from the flight in the morning until midnight, really exhilirating.
I'm so glad I took the challenge to apply to Shad Valley 2010
because the experience has been so wonderful even though it's only day one.
I have so much to look forward to,
the possibilities are endless
but the one thing that's definite is that my life would be incomplete without it.
One month with a new family, a new group of people, new friends to me, it all sounds lovely.
Of all the great things we did today the highlight was the lecture where we were given a presentation
of what we could expect in the next month
but more importantly I saw
a room filled with great role models who possess many talents.
These people are my friends, these people are my family and that, that is Shad Valley!
Justin Bansal, Shad Valley University of New Brunswick 2010
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Shad UBC Day One
So, I time travelled today...or rather tried, and managed to slow time enough so that I arrived in Vancouver only 20 minutes after I left. My allies in this feat: the good old hour and 22 minute flight and the time change...and of course that wonderful flying metal object that we call an airplane. In any case, I arrived in Vancouver pretty deaf in one ear because of the dreadful pressure changes, and that surprisingly enough lasted a whole 2 hours before I was actually back to normal. For those of you who didn’t have to fly, you are lucky. For all else, am I the only one who is driven crazy by the pressure?
The Shad staff rounded up groups of Shads and punctually shipped them to the campus where we made a few attempts to link faces with names – the degree of success, I am still uncertain. Then there was the scavenger hunt. Separated from fellow Shads, we were left in the wilderness of UBC to attempt to find various buildings to some success, but for the majority of the evening, my group was helplessly lost amid the sea of buildings and grass that is called the University of British Columbia.
Fast forward through supper, there was a “tour” (that isn’t very accurate as it was more as a walk in temperate weather while chattering with fellow Shads) around some of the buildings on Campus. Nice roses, good architecture, trampoline bushes (quite literally – the bushes could very well have enough spring force to be considered a trampoline), and a very slight breeze. Back in the conference room, strange interpretations of our Shad bio tiles by Shads whose names we still have failed to learn, then now. A blog. The first entry to a string of words that will summarize the days of Shad Valley in every Shad Valley campus. So, I suppose, through bad grammar, comma splices and sentence fragments which the computer continually tells me to correct, I suppose, here we go!
Derek Eng, Shad Valley University of British Columbia 2010
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
The Shad staff rounded up groups of Shads and punctually shipped them to the campus where we made a few attempts to link faces with names – the degree of success, I am still uncertain. Then there was the scavenger hunt. Separated from fellow Shads, we were left in the wilderness of UBC to attempt to find various buildings to some success, but for the majority of the evening, my group was helplessly lost amid the sea of buildings and grass that is called the University of British Columbia.
Fast forward through supper, there was a “tour” (that isn’t very accurate as it was more as a walk in temperate weather while chattering with fellow Shads) around some of the buildings on Campus. Nice roses, good architecture, trampoline bushes (quite literally – the bushes could very well have enough spring force to be considered a trampoline), and a very slight breeze. Back in the conference room, strange interpretations of our Shad bio tiles by Shads whose names we still have failed to learn, then now. A blog. The first entry to a string of words that will summarize the days of Shad Valley in every Shad Valley campus. So, I suppose, through bad grammar, comma splices and sentence fragments which the computer continually tells me to correct, I suppose, here we go!
Derek Eng, Shad Valley University of British Columbia 2010
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Day 1!
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep....
I open my eyes, look at the ridiculously early hour (5h20!) and am about to turn off my alarm when I read the 4 letters on my screen "SHAD"... seconds later I am out of bed.
The rest of my morning is kind of a blur of nervous excitement; breakfast, car ride, goodbyes, first train, Montreal, second train, Quebec City, taxi, LAVAL! (by this time I would like to note that is 4h00 in the afternoon).
Now when you look forward to something for so long I find it hard to believe it has finally arrived. Needless to say the fact that I am actually here, at Laval University, about to embark on a month long experience of a lifetime, has yet to sink in.
Once I arrived I was given some time to settle in and got to meet my roommate! (I was nervous at first, but once I met her I was reassured that everything was going to go great.) A couple icebreakers later, we were all sitting down in the cafeteria enjoying our first meal together. After that it was time for a general meeting ; ground rules, values, committees... Finally, after a long day of traveling we are sent off with a little free time before bed. ''Call your parents!'", they remind us (Note to self: Call parents once I'm done blogging).
The names, places, faces, discussions... it all feels a little overwhelming.. but overwhelming in a good way. I can't wait to get started! I'm already brimming with ideas of the things I would like to do over the course of the month and starting friendships that will surpass the following 30 days I'm sure. Of course my SHAD adventure would be better off starting with a good night's sleep (on second thought there is a ping pong tournament going on...)
All in all, day 1 of SHAD is a success: I've arrived safe and sound, as well as I am thoroughly looking forward for the month to come.
Good night all,
Sarah
Sarah Plante, Shad Valley Université Laval 2010
Hometown: Pembroke, Ontario
I open my eyes, look at the ridiculously early hour (5h20!) and am about to turn off my alarm when I read the 4 letters on my screen "SHAD"... seconds later I am out of bed.
The rest of my morning is kind of a blur of nervous excitement; breakfast, car ride, goodbyes, first train, Montreal, second train, Quebec City, taxi, LAVAL! (by this time I would like to note that is 4h00 in the afternoon).
Now when you look forward to something for so long I find it hard to believe it has finally arrived. Needless to say the fact that I am actually here, at Laval University, about to embark on a month long experience of a lifetime, has yet to sink in.
Once I arrived I was given some time to settle in and got to meet my roommate! (I was nervous at first, but once I met her I was reassured that everything was going to go great.) A couple icebreakers later, we were all sitting down in the cafeteria enjoying our first meal together. After that it was time for a general meeting ; ground rules, values, committees... Finally, after a long day of traveling we are sent off with a little free time before bed. ''Call your parents!'", they remind us (Note to self: Call parents once I'm done blogging).
The names, places, faces, discussions... it all feels a little overwhelming.. but overwhelming in a good way. I can't wait to get started! I'm already brimming with ideas of the things I would like to do over the course of the month and starting friendships that will surpass the following 30 days I'm sure. Of course my SHAD adventure would be better off starting with a good night's sleep (on second thought there is a ping pong tournament going on...)
All in all, day 1 of SHAD is a success: I've arrived safe and sound, as well as I am thoroughly looking forward for the month to come.
Good night all,
Sarah
Sarah Plante, Shad Valley Université Laval 2010
Hometown: Pembroke, Ontario
Day 1 - June 27, 2010
I had finally arrived – Shad Valley 2010 was now a reality!
At 2:00 pm, I excitedly checked into the Kingston VIA Rail Train Station arriving from Toronto, Ontario to my new home for the next eagerly anticipated month. After being warmly greeted and welcomed by two staff members from the Queen’s Shad Valley campus, we quickly began to connect and share our stories with one another.
How do I describe Queen’s Campus? Simply put, it is fantastic! The buildings feature cleverly designed architecture, are very clean and well maintained and are covered with eye pleasing vegetation ranging from leafy vines to pleasant smelling flowers. In addition to this, the campus as an entire package is all within walking range and bears a warm welcoming feeling. Queen’s not only contains excellent facilities, but also a great variety of all kinds of stuff! For example, the cafeteria not only contains traditional fatty foods, but also boasts a wide assortment of healthy home cooked meals that any food lover wouldn’t be able to resist. By the way, did I mention that consumption is unlimited, it’s all you can eat! All in all, the Queen’s campus has been a delight so far and I cannot wait to further explore and harvest the experiences it has to offer.
As the day progressed, I was introduced to some truly amazing fellow Shads. Everyone was friendly, caring and eager to learn more about each other. Me and my roommate Tony immediately began to establish an excellent relationship and shared a great deal in common. Did I mention that our group contains a very diverse and varied group of Shads? Not only did we have Shads from all across Canada, but also from all across the world! These individuals came from places as far away as Saudi Arabia and China to participate in this well regarded program.
After several “ice” breaking activities, our group of Shads concluded the day with a unexpected surprise challenge. In each one of the five sub divided groups, members had to work with one another to construct a structure that was to only be made out of newspaper and limited masking tape. In addition to this, it had to be able to fit all the members inside, be free standing, and feature a roof. For some, the challenge was a great success but for others like myself, our group failed horribly! Although this challenge was a competition, it still was tremendous fun and a good way to interact and progress our relations amongst other Shads! Hopefully we can expect more fun activities as such in the future.
On a closing note, I am delighted to have made the decision to attend Shad Valley this year. I am sure without a doubt that this program will embark all Shads on an unforgettable experience that will provide a special memory for each and every one of us throughout our lifetimes. Thanks for tuning into this blog from Queen’s 2010 Shad Valley! Expect a whole lot more from other Shads from campuses all across Canada!
Rahul Kalsi, Shad Valley Queen’s University 2010
Hometown: Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)