Today was the day. The day where we found out the winning project that moves onto the Shad Cup. After countless screams of frustration, delusional images appearing and sleepless nights in the classrooms, all our efforts were rewarded.

The judges went over feedback for each groups' presentation, and made many valuable suggestions. After the comments from the judges, it was the anticipated nerve wracking voting time. All the presentations and projects were spectacular, it was difficult to choose the best one, but we all realized no matter which project was chosen, we are all winners because we have all learned and grown through this process (yes, it's that cheesy!).

After much sweat and nervous flitters, the ballots were totalled and the PAs announced the winner was... A TIE! Our project, InsulECO, and Gumline Green, were chosen and a revote was needed. Both teams were bombarded with a series of questions from the Shads. The revote has yet to be conducted; however, no matter which team wins, Shad Laval will be well represented. On a side note, we were also really sad to find out that Shad Cup gala will not take place in Waterloo this year as we were all hoping for a reunion.

With the project out of the way, Shads celebrated Twin Day emerging out with similar colours, matching shirts and hairstyles as twins, triplets, and even quadruplets. After lunch, Laval Shads headed to visit the EXFO headquarters in Quebec City. After a long wait in the sun, we were finally escorted up to a conference room to hear a presentation from the Director of Optical Production, Stephane Chabot. It was exciting to hear our newly learned marketing and business terms during his presentation.

After the presentation, we were split up into 3 groups and took a tour of the plant. We saw the production process and the research and development put into the creation of the fibre optic transmission in portable devices. The tour ended with a little game of pool in the lounge with some of the Shads while waiting for others to finish.

When we got back to the university, another suprise awaited us. We were finally getting our Shad Laval t-shirts and sweaters. Being part of the tshirt committee that designed both, I wore mine with great pride. With all of Shad Laval dressed in their snazzy tshirts and/or sweaters, we took our group photos. After numerous attemps to spell "Shad", we finally had our momentous picture for the monthbook. Houses got together to celebrate their success and took their house pictures while roommates scattered around to find each other for their own pictures. Many pictures were taken today for the monthbook that will be the most treasured memory and souvenir for many Shads.

As I sit here typing this blog, I realize we have about 50 hours of Shad left. Looking at that sentence makes my heart drop, as the tragic truth starts to hit me hard: Shad is almost over. Tomorrow will be our last "real" Shad day together as Thursday is Open Day and Friday everybody leaves at different times. Shad worked its magic into us that has created inseparable bonds. We know that the good times must come to an end but the bond will remain forever within us despite the distance that separates us. Let us value every hour that is left of Shad as it is our last chance to leave an impact with our Shad experience. Value each second spent with the Shads and PAs around you who have no doubt become your family this past month.

Susie Pan
Shad Valley Université Laval
Hometown: Guelph, Ontario