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
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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
Monday, July 13, 2009
Yesterday, we climbed and conquered Mount Garabaldi; an 18 km hike. We departed and returned together as one, having surmounted and prevailed. Exhausted from the previous day’s adventure, we looked at each other with tired eyes, yet somehow we managed to still be ecstatic, having kept our hearts glowing.
We started our day with workshops consisting of outrigger canoeing on the Pacific Ocean, an interactive activity building rockets using plastic bottles, inspiring lessons about the values of life, and making 3D objects using fractals.
After lunch, we split up into our house groups to work on our projects outlining our creative inventions in our business plans. Some of the students also participated in a question and answer session with the Pavillion Lake Research Project crew.
Next, we watched the documentary, “Occupation 101,” focusing on Palestine and its various internal and external conflicts. The video was quite emotional, leaving many of us in tears and in deep discussion.
Following dinner, the swimming at the UBC Aquatic Centre was a well needed break, to stretch out our stiff muscles.
The little things in between, the walks to and from lectures, late night talks, and movie watching, is what really brings us together. When I heard the stories from Shad alumni about how they had become a family, I was quite skeptical. How is it possible to develop such deep relationships in such a short period of time? With such likeminded people surrounding you, the answer is, it’s impossible for you not to create and sustain relationships. Talking about leaving is a sin. I have not felt this alive, peaceful, and content at the same time in a long time. I don’t fly as one here, but as a flock.
We started our day with workshops consisting of outrigger canoeing on the Pacific Ocean, an interactive activity building rockets using plastic bottles, inspiring lessons about the values of life, and making 3D objects using fractals.After lunch, we split up into our house groups to work on our projects outlining our creative inventions in our business plans. Some of the students also participated in a question and answer session with the Pavillion Lake Research Project crew.
Next, we watched the documentary, “Occupation 101,” focusing on Palestine and its various internal and external conflicts. The video was quite emotional, leaving many of us in tears and in deep discussion.
Following dinner, the swimming at the UBC Aquatic Centre was a well needed break, to stretch out our stiff muscles.
The little things in between, the walks to and from lectures, late night talks, and movie watching, is what really brings us together. When I heard the stories from Shad alumni about how they had become a family, I was quite skeptical. How is it possible to develop such deep relationships in such a short period of time? With such likeminded people surrounding you, the answer is, it’s impossible for you not to create and sustain relationships. Talking about leaving is a sin. I have not felt this alive, peaceful, and content at the same time in a long time. I don’t fly as one here, but as a flock.
Sunita Kheterpal
Shad Valley UBC
Hometown: Brossard, Quebec
Sunday, July 12, 2009
My alarm clock rang awfully early this morning. It was quite a challenge forcing myself to wake up after last night’s game of “Uno” between my roommates and me that escalated into an all-out, two-hour tournament. I slid into the shower, stumbled into some clothes, and staggered down the hallway towards the cafeteria. Before I went 20 feet, I came upon Shad Carleton’s fearless leader, Adrian Chan, curled up on the floor sleeping under a blanket. I looked like I wasn’t the only one who could use a bit more sleep.
(Above picture) Carleton Program Director Adrian Chan sleeping on the floor.
Over the past two weeks at Shad, I’ve had to come to terms with one simple fact; Shad Valley is busy. Insanely busy. The constant onslaught of exciting, challenging, stimulating activities is enough to make even the hardiest of us a tad weary.
Today was different, though. It was the first time in the entire two weeks that we were given a substantial amount of free time. The three hours we were allowed may not seem like much, but to us Shads, it seemed like an eternity. There were so many possibilities such as shopping, watching a movie, or sleeping. But guess what we chose to do? We worked, of course! My entire house got together and worked on our design project for hours on the one day that we could have done whatever we liked!
Yet there wasn’t a single frown or complaint for the entire time, and every person put their whole heart into the prototype, design, or business model that they were working on.
At Carleton, we call it “Shadditude” and it’s the passion for learning, respecting others, and driving to succeed. It is inside every Shad. And we will need every ounce of passion and drive we have in order to meet the upcoming deadlines and successfully complete our lengthy design project.
After a number of fascinating lectures and a workshop on creating simple computer games, it was time for my team, the green house, to present the product design we’d been working on for days.
As the deadline for our presentation slowly drew closer, any minor quarrels we may have had with each other melted away. We became a well-oiled machine, each piece fitting perfectly and our ideas combining to form one vision.
Many of us were quite nervous about presenting to the panel of judges. We heard that they were brutally honest and any weaknesses in our product would be exposed. To our great delight, the judges responded to our project well and gave us some excellent suggestions.
Walking back to the dorms, a collective sigh of relief came from the green house for the fabulous feeling of a job well done. And that is what this whole thing is about. Shad Valley is made up of a lifetime’s worth of life-changing activities and experiences, lovingly crammed into one furious, passionate, soul-altering month.
Yes, Shad Valley is delightfully busy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ben Barrett-Forrest
Shad Valley Carleton
Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
(Above picture) Carleton Program Director Adrian Chan sleeping on the floor.Over the past two weeks at Shad, I’ve had to come to terms with one simple fact; Shad Valley is busy. Insanely busy. The constant onslaught of exciting, challenging, stimulating activities is enough to make even the hardiest of us a tad weary.
Today was different, though. It was the first time in the entire two weeks that we were given a substantial amount of free time. The three hours we were allowed may not seem like much, but to us Shads, it seemed like an eternity. There were so many possibilities such as shopping, watching a movie, or sleeping. But guess what we chose to do? We worked, of course! My entire house got together and worked on our design project for hours on the one day that we could have done whatever we liked!
Yet there wasn’t a single frown or complaint for the entire time, and every person put their whole heart into the prototype, design, or business model that they were working on.
At Carleton, we call it “Shadditude” and it’s the passion for learning, respecting others, and driving to succeed. It is inside every Shad. And we will need every ounce of passion and drive we have in order to meet the upcoming deadlines and successfully complete our lengthy design project.
After a number of fascinating lectures and a workshop on creating simple computer games, it was time for my team, the green house, to present the product design we’d been working on for days.
As the deadline for our presentation slowly drew closer, any minor quarrels we may have had with each other melted away. We became a well-oiled machine, each piece fitting perfectly and our ideas combining to form one vision.
Many of us were quite nervous about presenting to the panel of judges. We heard that they were brutally honest and any weaknesses in our product would be exposed. To our great delight, the judges responded to our project well and gave us some excellent suggestions.
Walking back to the dorms, a collective sigh of relief came from the green house for the fabulous feeling of a job well done. And that is what this whole thing is about. Shad Valley is made up of a lifetime’s worth of life-changing activities and experiences, lovingly crammed into one furious, passionate, soul-altering month.
Yes, Shad Valley is delightfully busy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ben Barrett-Forrest
Shad Valley Carleton
Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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
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
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