Today was a very important day for us Shads. We found out our theme for the month that we would base our major project on. The day began early with breakfast followed by the announcement of our topic, "Aging Population of Canada." Following the announcement, the program volunteers decided to throw us a curveball. After showing us a video on the Empathy Suit- a suit designed to simulate the everyday physical limitations of the elderly- they decided it would be fun for all of us to have the experience of a day in the life of a senior. They brought out everything from bungee cords, to dowels, to goggles covered in tape in order to replicate the daily struggles of seniors. After wearing them throughout lunch and a campus walk, us Shads were quite aware that our perception of seniors was completely wrong. We realized the everyday struggles they go through and the lack of sympathy they receive from society. The exercise was followed by some unbounded brainstorming as to Product Ideas by Houses. After dinner and some sun, we received a unique lecture from guest speaker Jerry Singleton, who is very energetic and captivating. His discussion of the aging population in relation to cultural and demographic shifts opened up a whole new area for discussion and creation. After a few Shad Speaks, House time, and a snack, it was finally time for bed- which is where I sit now.
The day was the real beginning to the educational aspect of Shad with the unveiling of the theme and was also the beginning of actual relationships between the Shads. Being the fourth day we have had together, the conversations between us now have to go deeper than just "Where are you from?" and "How is it there?" We have begun to actually develop trust and friendship instead of just superficial relationships. If the days that have past are any indication, the next three and a half weeks will without a doubt be some of the most influential of my life both academically and socially and I look forward to the many surprises that are yet to come.
Carl Lawrence, Shad Valley Dalhousie University 2010
Hometown: Hiram, Maine, USA
