“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can be great.”- Mark Twain
This quote was brought to the groups’ attention today by a fellow Shad as he and his roommate presented their quick, but meaningful “thought of the day”. For the last 21 days I have ate, slept, and lived amongst a group of 47 great and talented people. People who have challenged, but never demeaned the small portion I had to offer to the overall Shad experience. Like Mark Twain said, these people have done nothing but encourage me to reach my full potential; to spread my wings and fly to heights I’d never have dreamed possible before.
Today we assembled in the lobby of McNeil to do a brief COUNT-OFF before heading off to the event we had all been waiting for with anticipation: The Shad Olympics. Dressed in our house colours we separated into our respected groups and did we ever let the games begin! First on the agenda was “Water You Doing?” This station involved numerous activities that showed one how to be soaked and yet how to drench your opponents even more. Of course, to the relentless cheers of the crowd, the strong and unbeatable House Five dominated the podium.
Next, Shads gathered to participate in the “Obstacle Illusion,” which consisted of a leapfrog/croquet/ crab walking/skipping/ backwards pylon weaving/ hula hooping course. Unfortunately, House Five fell to defeat at this station to the green backs of House Six. To redeem themselves, they caught water balloon after water balloon, to earn themselves the title of champs once again.
To the excitement of most, “Muggle Quidditch” came next. This is not only a popular pastime amongst those enlisted at Howarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, but for Shad students as well. So for the remainder of our Olympic events we could be seen chasing a human snitch around a green pitch, with beaters flinging soggy sponges here and there, and chasers running with the prized purple pool ball to the goal hoops. More often than not I, the seeker, found myself running endless circles around a tree with the intention of tagging a speedy snitch. The laughter that entailed this affair could only be described as a bonus to the general enthrals of the game.
As we wrapped up this final station the lovely program assistants here at Shad Queen’s had one final surprise for us. A shaving cream battle. Before long we were all sporting a t-shirt covered in this frothy, white substance. Not one Shad left the scene in their natural state, and several of us departed with new, distinguished hairstyles that were fashioned with shaving cream as well. Out of all the days that have passed in the last three weeks, this was by far my favourite. Today, the Shad spirit showed a little more than its face.
After supper, we held the annual Queen’s morality plays in the common room. With that we discovered that there are some talented actors/actresses living amongst us. We realised that many of us share the same morals, but have several that differ as well. The skits sent most of the audience into fits of laughter.
With a smile on everyone’s faces, we (except for those whose committees are nearing their deadlines) traipsed off to bed to re-energise for another full day at Shad.
Alas, we’re nearing the ending of this life altering chronicle. Looking back, it is impossible to distinguish where, and in which chapter we became a fully functional family. Nevertheless, this story carries word of a group of 47 kids from across the country, and one from Saudi Arabia, who have discovered the power of their interior drive, how far they can stretch, and how vast their dreams really are. Indeed the final chapter is not far off, but with it one can see that together they have helped each other realise their true greatness. A greatness that was once described by Mark Twain himself, and one that will be lived to its fullest in the hearts of this year’s Shad Queen’s for years to come. Thanks for making this month amazing guys. Goodnight.
Emily Smith, Shad Valley Queen's University
Hometown: Oromocto, New Brunswick
