Today was the day: project presentation day!

After having a universal curfew last night, the UBC Shads awoke somewhat relaxed and renewed with fresh energy. In the morning, we were given three hours of preparation time, during which you could spot many stressed people running frantically from here to there, trying to print business plans or finish PowerPoint presentations. It was clear from the chaos all around that this was the day we had worked towards for the last three weeks. The presentation day had finally arrived.

For five hours, we heard each House Group present some of the most innovative and beneficial products and services. The magnitude of work that we had managed to accomplish in such a short time frame was truly impressive and awe-inspiring. As our judge so aptly stated, all the presentations were impeccable and definitely something to be proud of.

After our presentations, we enjoyed a relaxing swim at the UBC Aquatic Center. Walking back from the swim in the cool evening breeze, a realization struck me. Even though we had whined, complained and at times outright protested the ridiculous idea of creating a professional business proposal in two weeks, we came to the realization that there is a definite, if not twisted, logic behind this crazy House Project. By leaving us to complete this most arduous task almost all on our own, we inadvertently became all that Shad stands for. We were able to discover, harness and strengthen our talents, skills, abilities and potential. In the true spirit of Shad Valley, we were able to transcend our limits by driving, stretching, and dreaming further than we had ever before.

Shad Valley has truly found the best and made them better.

Shivani Upadhyaya
Shad Valley UBC
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

After recently returning from an amazing camping trip to Prince Edward Island, all the Shads were very tired and had a hard time jumping into a busy day. Usually Sundays are a chance to catch up on some long lost sleep, but considering the prototypes were due we had to do some serious work. Many of the projects required special tools and extra work which made the day incredibly busy but fun at the same time.

In the afternoon our large group of Shads went downtown and enjoyed the Tall Ships festival in beautiful summer weather. It was a sight to see and all the ships were magnificent. There was also a lady at the festival who brought her pet iguanas, which we found very fascinating.

This was one of many bonding experiences we were able to experience here and it was sad for everyone to think that we are entering the last week. We have had an amazing time so far and the hard work we all put into our projects is starting to show. It is getting close to the end but we are enjoying every minute.

Shane Wiebe
Shad Valley Dalhousie
Hometown: Fort St. John, British Columbia

Bilingual Poste Bilingue!

Je me suis levée un peu plus tard que normalement, mais la ligne pour le petit-déjeuner était courte. Alors, quand je suis arrivée, beaucoup de Shads mangeaient encore. Nous avons discuté de notre prochaine activité et de la Nuit Multiculturelle.

After breakfast, we made our way to the activity room, wondering what our second design challenge would be: CATAPULTS!!! We were divided into six groups and began our quest for planning and building the most efficient catapult for launching green army men the furthest distance. Of course the groups first went to the computer lab, most likely Googling best catapult design or optimal angle for catapult. After ten minutes, my group had our basic idea and started to sketch the design, taking into account our limited supplies.

Après des heures de couper le bois fragile (ou briser par accident), coller, et construire le catapulte, les groupes ont décidé de tester leur machine avant la compétition. Mon groupe est allé dans un couloir et a commencé à lance les petits army mens qui ont perdu leur tête ou bras à cause de la collision avec le sol. Mais enfin nous avons trouvé quel angle de les lancer. Puis tous les groupes ont choisi un nom et la compétition a débuté.

I was surprised by the various designs. All teams did well. Next, we had two hours to get ready for Multicultural Night. As I was part of the Bollywood dance to the song "Jai Ho", I spent part of my time practicing with the other girls. Soon we were walking to the boudoir. The meal was delicious, including couscous, chicken, poutine, and brownies.

Now for what we were all waiting for: the show. The entertainment included the Tanzanian national anthem, Korean dance, Korean song, Chinese lessons (tongue twister), an interesting educational presentation, and the Bollywood dance. The night ended with a DANCE PARTY!

There is less than a week that remains of Shad, but I know that I will see some of the Shads from my hometown again in summer; in fact, we’ve already made plans of what we can do! Being at Shad Valley has really motivated me to do more activities, to push my boundaries, and to get out of my comfort zone. To top things off, my vocabulary has improved exponentially: innate, conventional, instigate, quintessentially …thanks to my wonderful Shad friends.

Sara Sassani
Shad Valley Laval
Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia

Our day did not have a typical beginning: some Shads stayed up working until ridiculous hours of the mornings, some woke up insanely early, while others did both. What was the cause of all our sleep deprivation? The business plan for our DE projects was due today. Even though some of us had approximately three and a half hours of sleep (note to parents: Do not be alarmed! On less abnormal days we do get a more decent amount of sleep!), we still experienced the day with the utmost of Shadditude, which here at Carleton is a term we use to describe all of the actions and behaviours that encompass the values of Shad creativity, excellence, community, diversity and responsibility.

This means that even though we were all thinking about the comfort of our dorm beds, we continued to work diligently on our projects and still managed to have some fun on the way.

After working on the project from 5:30 am, all of the Shads made their way to the Minto Centre for 8:30 am, where we had morning announcements, ShadNews, and a few ShadSpeaks. There was a Tim Hortons cup at every second seat; a feeble attempt to regain energy so that we could make it through the day without completely losing all consciousness during the lectures.

The Blue House, the house responsible for today’s ShadNews, decided to try something new and therefore presented their news in the form of improvisation. Members from the audience were chosen to improvise the morning news; everything from a plane crash caused by the throwing of a wedding bouquet to the announcement of Canada’s Next Top Model, Meaghan Waller from Winnipeg (and since I am also from Winnipeg, I was the privileged one who got to strut down the front of the room as I acted out winning the highly-acclaimed title).

Today was indefinitely the worst day to be a lecturer; Shads were passing out into states of unconsciousness by the second! As Super Sam (our most frequent lecturer) always says, I do not take any offense when Shads are falling asleep in my lecture because I know that it is due to the fact that this is a highly intensive program that does not accommodate for enough sleep. So although it was definitely a nearly impossible task to focus on the lectures being presented, I definitely induced all of my will power and found that today’s lectures were indeed interesting, wishing only that these lectures could have been presented on a day when conscious levels had been slightly higher.

Next it was crunch time! We had five hours (including supper) to finish the business plan for our DE projects. The process was indeed mentally draining, but at the same time, working with a group of 13 other passionate and driven students also made it extremely exhilarating! Besides, there is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that sweeps over you when you get up after sitting at a computer screen for so long and you finally see the work that you have contributed so much time and energy to complete.

Though today was undoubtedly the most exhausting day at Shad thus far, it was also one of the most inspiring. And, just as the Blue House so wittingly expresses in their 13 syllable roll call (13 members in their group), This Shad won’t kill us; it will only make us stronger!

Nadine Demko
Shad Valley Carleton
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Today, like most days here at Shad Waterloo, was one that was filled with many events. Today was no different than any other day here at Shad in the sense that the Shads were always on the go. However, it was a unique day full of surprises.

As usual, we had breakfast at 7:30am. Then at 8:00am, we had a Whole Group session for which we arrived for at “Shad time” (meaning 5minutes early). Today, Rob Gorbet (a faculty member) gave us a lecture about defining art. It was interesting to see that art could be anything (including a toilet), as long as there was a creator who made something with the intent of making an art piece.

After the intriguing lecture by Rob, it was time for us to attend our last day in Workshop Series B. I was part of the digital animation workshop and today my group finished making our final product. We linked a series of stop-motion photos in order to make a short film about Minnie Mouse, Pikachu, Misty, Nurse Joy, Goku, Luigi, and Serverus Snape on a Mario Cart Race around campus. We were proud of this production with its special effects (like floating characters) and edited background music.

Lunch at noon was uneventful except for the fact that most of the Shads were panicking about our design projects, which are due tomorrow. We were uneasy through the “Drawing on the Past, Communicating with the Future” we worried about getting our projects finished for tomorrow. Finally, at 2:30pm everybody rushed to different parts of the campus building to tackle the final parts of the design projects. After 3 hours of hardcore working, we had dinner and recreation. For recreation, we were split into 6 teams and raced against the clock as we tried to beat the other teams in the Amazing Race. All the Shads required a hot shower after that…

Unfortunately, the relaxing showers ended all too quickly as everyone got back to working feverishly on their projects. Many people stayed up late in an attempt to make their projects even just a little better. By 1:30pm tomorrow, this will all be over and we will all feel accomplished and proud of ourselves at finishing the process of design.

Minnie Kwak
Shad Valley Waterloo
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Awakening to the seeping sun through the partially curtained window behind me, this morning delivered itself with an aura of excitement. Proving to be one of the nation’s capital’s warmest days thus far, the 6:30am alarm clock was accompanied already by the scurrying of feet through the fourth level halls of Stormont residences.

With a quick shower and a swing out the door, it was off to the gorgeous Carleton dining hall, only to be appropriately met by an order of fried eggs – sunny side up. No sooner nourished for the morning, did an eager group of Shads embark into the morning sun, bound for the Minto Centre for Advance Studies in Engineering-the site for the mornings events.

Having received the latest headlines in the form of none other than interpretive dance, did Shad Speaks commence. Describing experiences from the fables of Aesop to the commitment of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, each Shad was left pondering, yet inspired. Contemplating life all before 9:30, workshop groups were formed, as I prepared myself to learn the science of robotics. Laced with captivating knowledge, intricate machinery as well as firsthand experience with the technology itself, the seminar broadened the already bursting ranges of interest within the group.

As yet another fantastic meal was consumed, it came time for a Red House project gathering to begin, as our Friday deadline rapidly approached. Customary to the group (as well as the envy of all other houses), the meeting began with each member hugging two others, before tumultuous productivity ensued. With long hours of brainstorming, rationalizing and conglomeration propelling into the evening, Carleton Shads were presented with not only insightful discourses on sustainability and public presenting alike, but a dramatic work as well.

Presented in the beautiful architecture facility, I felt privileged to the share the stage with fellow thespians, sharing the theme of sustainable living from an incredibly proactive group known as the Otesha Project. At last, to mark a stamp on yet another day for the journal was the Green House hosted late night – a celebration of activities brimming with recycled newspaper costume contests, games of Twister, and salsa dancing alike.

Tonight, I recollect in a state of both astonishment and gratitude; astonished at the capabilities of a group of young people, so driven as to change their world for the better, and ever grateful to thrive in their presence. As night falls in the Ottawa Valley, I know I have never been further from home, yet closer to my dreams.

Nicholas Fleming
Shad Valley Carleton University
Hometown: Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Bilingual Post Bilingue!

Durant les journées avant mon « blog day », il fallait que je décide dans quelle langue j’écrirai : en anglais ou en français. Je n’ai pas pu choisir. Dans l’esprit de notre communauté, je pense que mon blog doit être rien d’autre que bilingue.

Today was probably one of my favourite days at Shad so far. To start it off, the room key that I had lost two days ago was returned to me! After breakfast, we all headed over to our next activity, me, with Chamomile tea in hand. We completed a simulation in which we were analysts and traders, selling and buying carbon credits. Despite the hectic atmosphere in the room, with Shad traders yelling “BID 40!” “AT 50!” and Shad analysts banging on the windows making signals to their partners, my roommate and I somehow managed to figure out somewhat of a strategy. After the simulation, Jenn and I were feeling good about ourselves- we ranked 4th in terms of profit- but the PA's taught us that we could have easily doubled or tripled our profit had we only sold less and bought more carbon credits.

Après, nous sommes allés pour l'activité physique. La plupart des gens ont joué au frisbee, mais il y en avait qui sont allés faire du jogging. Moi, j'ai pratiqué notre danse en style Bollywood pour la nuit Multiculturelle qui s'approche. Je ne suis pas danseuse, mais j'adore le chanson "Jai Ho" alors je me suis encouragée, et j'ai pu apprendre une grande partie de la danse. Le souper (spaghetti) était vraiment délicieux; j'ai mangé vite et alors j'avais presque 2 heures de temps libre, durant lesquelles j'ai pratiqué pour la présentation de notre projet vers la fin de la journée.

While my house's last presentation hadn't gone as well as we had hoped, this presentation went quite well. The compliments were received with flushes of pleasure, the questions answered with alacrity. The constructive criticism was insightful, and the suggestions useful; we left the presentation room excited and proud of our project and our hard work. To top off the day, one of the houses organized a pajama dance party for Late Night. Complete with loud music and delicious snacks (apples and nutella!), everyone enjoyed themselves.

With less than 10 days left of Shad, everyone is full of mixed emotions: scared that the project is due so soon, shocked that the days have flown by so quickly, and mainly sad at the prospect of leaving all the wonderful, unique friends that we've made.

However instead of counting the amount of days left, I'd rather count much happier things: the amount of times my friend Ellery corrected my french grammar (12), the amount of laughs while lying on the grass (thousands), and the amount of unforgettable experiences I've had thus far (infinity and beyond!)

Zamyla Chan
Shad Valley Laval
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia