Ever wonder how long it takes to change your life? What measure of time is enough to be life-altering? Is it four years, like high school? One year? Can your life change in just one month, or even a week? We're always in a hurry to grow up, to go places, to get ahead... but sometimes a few days can change everything. Today, July 7th 2010, marks the end of the eleventh day here at Shad@Mac, the end of a life-altering eleven days of unforgettable experiences, and the beginning of sixteen more. Every day spent here at McMaster has truly been priceless, and the eleventh day here was no exception.
The day began bright and early with some Shads rising early to catch a morning run, and others maximizing on whatever sleep they could scavenge, as every minute truly made a difference. After all the Shads were up and ready to go, we all gathered at the Bistro to eat a large delicious breakfast, after which we headed to the DeGroote School of Business on campus where we were given the privilege to attend a lecture by Dean Paul Bates, on the trading floor, where he gave us insight on everything needed to be known about investment, and gave us advice and tips based on his own personal life experiences, in which Im sure all of us were greatly appreciative. We then got the opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr. Marvin Gunderman a biology professor, who gave us insight on the most interesting types of the world's insects. Unfortunately the lecture was right before lunch, and even though many of us lost our appetite after seeing his unbelievably clear photos of the insects, Im sure we would all agree that it was worth it.
After lunch, some Shads attended a medical radiation workshop while others attended a science communication workshop. I attended the science communication workshop where we learned a lot about the aging population (relating to the theme of our final business project). We got an opportunity to conduct debates amongst us Shads, which was intended to be serious, but ended up being filled with a number of memorable moments of laughter.
After the workshops, we returned to Heden Hall for rec time, where today instead of playing sports, or going to the athletic facility, we were given the special opportunity to spend an hour playing games and interacting with each other. Before we knew it, it was dinner time! Then we were given personal time or free time, and then pod time (time given to work on our final project in groups), and committee time (time given to work in groups on different Shad@Mac activities such as Shadnews48, Open Day activities, variety show activities, etcetera). As curfew approached, we gathered together for a little guerrilla choir time, and for my favourite part of the evening, snack time! After all stomachs were filled with cookies and ice cream the day finally came to an end. What may seem as a short eleven days to you, seemed more like eleven months to many of us, but eleven amazing months that I wouldnt take back for the world. Already I have met so many amazing people, and experienced so much, that I know my life has changed before my eyes. Sixteen days still remain, and if I'm lucky, these sixteen days will feel like sixteen centuries, filled with moments to be remembered forever!
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
