Spontaneity. One common factor between all Shads is their innate ability to adapt to change, to innovation, and in the case of the community of 60 here at UNB, to the ever-changing weather and shy sun. Having said that, it was no surprise when our sudden change in plans today did little to "dampen" our spirits. (The forecast was for intense downpour.) Instead of taking our Bay of Fundy trip, we switched two weekends and explored downtown Fredericton instead.

Having already experienced the stress and sleep deprivation outlined an alarming number of times in last year's blog, we slept in and woke up to a casual breakfast in the downstairs cafeteria. Our CT projects were already taking a toll on our sanity, and a relaxing morning was much in demand. Our Program Directors, Ian and Julie, always stress the importance of balance in everything we do, and of course that was not limiting to the variety of food our staff had to offer.

We divided into our groups of six in the courtyard and smiles were all around – we got that beautiful sun everyone were hoping for, and we were off on our way! The community here in New Brunswick is warm and welcoming, and the market place was alive with regulars, visitors, people sipping fresh-squeezed juice and taking everything in. A snapshot of the vibrant community that is Fredericton, the tightly packed area was buzzing with the organized chaos of traffic of people squeezing between the aisles. It was on the way back that we learned the people here rarely lock anything. In the words of Ian – “why?” This community that’s welcomed us for a month this Summer opens its arms to everyone. This is something we should all strive towards: the realization that there is no point in creating harm.

After some delectable shopping (samosas! yummy), we walked down to the river and had a lazy picnic along the riverbank, stretched out on the sun. It allowed time for some personal reflections and room to breathe – and of course, more eating!

A little while later (my definition of time has completely changed with Shad – they kind of just melt into one another), being Shads, we could not help but visit the local hotspot – Geek Chic. In there, we found all sorts of goodies -- from laser keyboards to witty t-shirts, I’ve never felt so at home. Our group then visited the local barracks, a second-hand book store that went on for miles, and “Tiny Music”, the biggest music store in the city. We also got to see the changing of the guards at the City Hall – it was quite a sight, seeing red-uniformed soldiers marching down the sidewalk to a drum beat, and better still, waiting at the crosswalks for the pedestrian light to change.

The surprises continue with our Coffee House night. I was lucky enough to host the night with my friend and keeping with the spontaneous spirit – we did it gangster style, and showed off some map rhyme skillage. Or not. Cheesy emceeing and nerdy jokes aside, the acts were delicious. From poetry about protractors, heart & soul (and not just the song), faux breakdancers, standing ovations over a capella crooners, “legit” poppers, guitarists, and group singing, complete with the Titanic reenactments. Even the PAs pitched in, gracing us with Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” – complete live rickrolling.

Yet another day in the Shad program. I can’t believe these busy, laughter-filled days have flowed into one another. I’m excited by all the potential around me, and the warm fuzzy feeling when I look around. It feels like home, and these people are my family.

Through any uncertainties that may come, I know that these people will no doubt play a significant part in my life beyond the few weeks in which we laughed, ate, and rapped together.

Yours,

Kerri Lu
Shad Valley University of New Brunswick
Hometown: Richmond, British Columbia