How can one describe in words the memories and the friendships created among 46 friends at Shad Valley? How can we fully express our thanks to all those who put in so much work to make this experience happen?

“We take the best, and make them cry.” – Dr. Leonard Lye, Program Director at Shad Valley Memorial University.

And there we were: a group of people so much more than friends, people who had shared unforgettable experiences, long lasting laughs, seemingly impossible challenges, and finally, seated in a secret location, sharing never-ending tears, with the words of Dr. Lye echoing in our heads. I looked around me at each one of the sobbing people I had gotten to know so well and wished that I could spend every last moment before my departure from Memorial University with these people.

And I did.

Signing MUNth books, sharing last laughs, last tears, last thanks, and all the fantastic, hilarious memories that we now shared as a group, as a family. Who in the room wanted this experience to end? Nobody. We stayed together until the unwanted sun rose, much too quickly, in the Newfoundland sky.

I was one of the first to leave Memorial, and as I said my final goodbye’s and the taxi pulled out of the driveway, letting me catch a final glimpse of some of the friends, smiling with wet eyes, waving goodbye, I realized that the friends I had made at Shad would last me my whole life and that I, along with everyone else who enjoyed the Shad experience, would be able to look back upon the experiences for comfort when times get tough.

To me, Shad Valley was so much more than any words can describe. When I get home, people will ask me if I ‘liked it’, if I ‘made new friends’, if the ‘people were nice’, and I will be faced with the impossible task of giving to them a snapshot of the fullest 4 weeks of my life. I know that I can’t do the Shad experience justice for all that I learned and all the amazing memories I’ve had, but if you’re reading this debating whether Shad will be right for you or your child, know that no matter what kind of person goes to Shad it will turn out to be one of the best summer experiences imaginable.

What truly made my Shad experience so special was the people: not only the unique students who attend, but the teachers who put in so much work to make Shad the incredible and rich learning experience that it was for us. Each of us is hugely grateful to these teachers for creating the past 4 unforgettable weeks.

Matthew Walker
Shad Valley Memorial University "MUN"
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Last Day of Shad –The Saddest Day Ever!

When I first received my letter of acceptance into the Shad program months ago, I said to myself, “this is going to be an interesting summer!” Well, it turned out that this statement was too modest. This summer was the most exhilarating, stressful, funny, knowledge filled experience I have ever had.

The last day of Shad started off with the Shad Lakehead Dance. Organized by the dance committee, the 4-hour dance was a huge success! Dancing to fast songs was the best ways to keep the tears from coming. Even though popcorn wasn’t the best food choice for a dance, it turned out to be pretty decent after all. After holding back on the tears for too long, the girls slowly started to shed tears when the last song came on.

Soon after the dance was over, we received our month books and everyone took out their pen and started to sign each other’s books. With 65 people pouring their memories onto the page of the month book, the feeling of the end was starting to form. The rain started to pound on the windows and the saddened atmosphere became even thicker. The weather was a mirror of our feelings. As the first Shad left for her plane, it struck me that Shad Valley was now over! Shad ceases to exist if all Shads aren’t present.

I realized that time had flown by very fast and that we had become a close family. In a small amount of time, we had come to a point where everyone had some everlasting memory with one another. As daylight came and the first batch of people left for the airport, all Shads wept with tears. After landing in Toronto, everyone parted ways and as I took the last glance at my friends I realized I had made friendships that I will keep forever!

In a short month, Shad had taught me more than I could have ever learned in a school year. Time management was a huge part of my learning at Shad. Everything is possible if you believe you can do it and if you look at things in an optimistic way than life becomes a lot more beautiful. For all Shad Valley Lakehead 2009 participants, I will miss you all very much! All the places in Canada are now linked with memories of people in my Shad experience!

Neha Singh
Shad Valley Lakehead University
Hometown: Markham, Ontario

Today was the day that Shads from across Canada would never forget. It would be the last day that all 47 of us at Shad Queen’s would be in the same room together.

I woke up to the daily “Good Morning” from my roommate feeling amazed at how quickly the days of the month had vanished before me. The whole morning was spent dedicated setting up for the Open day, Banquet, and Variety show. Being on the banquet committee, our job was to organize everything spanning from invitations, to the décor aspects of the dinner. Our theme for the banquet this year was a “Winter Evening in Paris”, and thus we hung 47 snowflakes across from the pillars of the dining hall. This was not only used to give rise to the idea of winter, but was used to represent the uniqueness of us all shads, as no two snowflakes are the same.

As the Shad Queen’s 09 Open Day arrived, many notable and honorary guests arrived, such as Barry Bisson—President of Shad Valley, and Gwyn Morgan—former President and CEO of EnCana Corporation.

The open day was followed the banquet, in which guests enjoyed a fine 5 star dinner! The variety show then took action, where the many Shad talents were showcased to the broad audience. The acts included pen spinning, a glow-in-the-dark robot dance, and a closing song done by all Shads which was “The Climb” (as it was constantly sung during the duration of the month!).

Soon the day — just like the month — was coming to an end. However, no Shad was expecting what was going to happen next. Our Program Directors announced that we were going outside and that we were not allowed to bring our cameras. We walked over to the lake beside our campus carrying candles, and low and behold there were candles set all around us (probably not just to keep the mosquitoes away). We sat down together and listened to the final words said by our community. One by one we brought our candles towards the lake and placed them into the sand.

I realized then that our earth is in constant turmoil and war, for singular supremacy and power. But we Shads represent a vastly different world; although we all come from different parts of Canada representing different cultures and beliefs, we did not fight for power, but for community, diversity, and friendships. At the end of our closing ceremony, we all went back to grab our candles which were no longer lighted.

Although we will all walk in different paths, the smoke from our candles will forevermore linger in the air we breathe, and thus we will never be apart from one another.

Uliana Kovaltchouk
Shad Valley Queen's
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

This morning was a refreshing one, as all Shads woke up with satisfaction at the successful house project presentations the night before. After all the learning, creativity, and a little bit of frustration, we had finally completed our house projects.

I woke up at 6:30am for morning recreation. Strangely, I'm not nearly as groggy waking up this early as I would be back home. I am unsure of whether it's because I'm too curious as to the day's events to be tired, or because I've grown accustomed to the schedule. Most likely, a combination of both.

We then received an honorary breakfast from MUN (I won't waste precious words on describing how delicious the food was), in which we learned useful information on programs offered at MUN, and it's many different campuses.

Perhaps the pinnacle of the day was our trip downtown in the afternoon, stretching into the evening. 48 Shads, let loose on downtown St. John's was bound to result in a great time, and it didn't disappoint. From the Newfoundland souvenir shops, to the genuine (and somewhat exotic) Newfoundland food, it was an experience that I will never forget.

But what truly defines my Shad experience, is not necessarily the particular events, but moreso the people I shared them with. Everyone here is unforgettable, and all played an integral role in making my time at Shad one of the best experiences of my life. I can safely say that Shad changed my life in so many ways, and that I would not be the same person without it.

Grant Robson
Shad Valley Memorial University
Hometown: Guelph, Ontario

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

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