It's been another busy yet memorable day at Shad. The day started, as usual, with breakfast at Leonard Hall. Afterward, all the Shads and staff congregated at Chernoff for our morning lecture on properties of materials. For example, to test the elasticity of plastic grocery bags, we each received a piece to stretch until it broke. Certain bags withstood more force, and so were much more ductile than others.
Immediately after lecture, the staff split us into two groups for our afternoon activities: a tour of the Ravensview water treatment facility and a tour of Fort Henry. I was in the group that toured Fort Henry first, and after slapping on about six layers of sunscreen, we set out for a 30 minute walk (or what seemed more like a one hour trek in the blistering heat). Our group of 24 met our tour guide for Fort Henry, and he lead us around the fort, explaining the soldiers’ daily lives, from the low-ranking gunner to the high-ranking commandant.
After a brief lunch, the groups rotated, and this time, my group went on the tour of the Ravensview water treatment facility, which was essentially a sewage treatment facility. We braced ourselves for the repugnant smell we felt sure would hit us, but after the first few … experiences, it became more tolerable. Our tour guide brought us around the facility, describing the process that untreated sewage undergoes to become drinkable water. I especially appreciated how environmentally friendly Ravensview was, with the facility using the methane it produces to generate 30% of their electricity, which fuels the machines.
Following the bus ride home, the Shads had a couple of hours of free time to relax. Dinner was delicious, as usual, and promptly afterward, we headed over to the ILC for some project time. Tomorrow would be the big day – presentation day – and everyone was busy finishing their prototype, business plans and presentations. The theme for this year was to create a product or service that would cater to the growing, senior population. Needless to say, such a realistic problem sparked inspiration in many groups, and everyone is excited to present his group's innovative solutions at presentation tomorrow.
As the last week of Shad is coming around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on the amazing time I’ve had here, with the most diverse, talented, and inspirational group of people I’ve ever met. Yes, time does fly, but at Shad, I feel like it soars by. Even though the events and the days are rolling by so quickly that it’s hard to comprehend, throughout all of it, you are just lifted up by the sense of community – a Shad community – that revolves around you. And this, I feel, is what makes the Shad experience so worthwhile.
Caroline Wang, Shad Valley Queen's University 2010
Hometown: Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
