Shad Valley at the McMaster Campus
I would like to thank the Nelson and District Credit Union for financially supporting me for my month long journey, Shad Valley, a truly unforgettable experience. Shad Valley is a four week summer program that focuses on sciences, technology and entrepreneurship. Students spend a month living on the host university campus that provides a stimulating summer adventure for students from all over Canada and the world. For more than 25 years, Shad Valley has challenged more than 10,000 people from around the world; there is no other summer program that can even be compared to Shad. Students gain unbreakable connections, knowledge and a competitive advantage for their future.
Out of the possible 12 campuses, I attended the McMaster Campus located in Hamilton, Ontario. Founded in 1887, the campus was enchanting with rustic scenery and historically beautiful buildings. Taking place throughout the university were lectures by world renowned professors. The lecturers covered topics from stems cells to containments in the environment, engineering to genetics, memory motivation to the Gigantopithecus; some lectures even incorporated the arts. I had the opportunity to learn from awe inspiring speakers, Sunjay Nath, Doug Boreham, Nick Bontis, and Joel Hilchey. In addition, I had workshops involving student finances, the human body and how to play the stock markets. Not all learning was spent in a classroom, I attended an Anatomy Lab, Cancer Centre, and Nuclear Reactor.
The Shad leaders kept us active all month long with a plethora (word of the day) of recreation and events. In means of recreation, we had access to the gym and pool every morning, football, soccer, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Muay Tai kickboxing and climbing the Alpine Tower. For my first time in Ontario, I was able to go on many excursions around and outside of Hamilton. I traveled to Toronto where I explored the Science Centre, and had to opportunity to see a performance by the Second City comedy group. Near the end of the month, we went to the Shaw Festival and Niagara Falls. In addition, I went to a Hamilton Tiger Cats game completely painted and wearing black and yellow with pots, pans, and spirit. We were also surprised with a three day camping trip to Lake Huron, and a “Staff Vs. Shad” Ultimate Frisbee game, which we won after 5 years of the staff being undefeated.
Each year, every Shad Campus is given the same theme which they must follow to create a product or idea that pertains to the theme. This year, our theme was “Zero Waste”. Divided into five teams, we were challenged to create a working prototype, a business plan, and a powerpoint presentation for an esteem panel of judges. 10 days working on a busy plan wasn’t easy, especially since it was new to most of us. However, we all pulled our strengths together and using teamwork we were able to create a project we were proud of. Though we did not win, all the McMaster Shads will be united as one team to work on the winning project in preparation for the RBC cup in October.
The most amazing part of Shad was the people I meet from coast to coast of Canada. Shad Valley selected 50 amazing Shads that I managed to connect with in the first 24 hours. Everyone had individual backgrounds; different cultures, music, food, and sports tastes, which only enlightened my experience even more. Also, I truly believe I had the best staff from all over Canada. The staff helped me understand my strengths and abilities which allowed me to discover career paths I can excel and gave insight into other areas I’ve never considered. With the help of my new friends, I discovered more about myself and where I was going to take my life.
Shad far exceeded my expectations. The program was absolutely incredible and I didn’t want to leave my new home and family. It is indescribable the feeling you have when you leave because someone could only understand the amazing journey if they’ve attended the program. This experience opened me to my potential in the world and changed my outlook on life. I not only gained academic knowledge from Shad Valley, but also new leadership strategies for my path to success.
Thanks again to The Nelson and District Credit Union for helping attend Shad Valley. I only hope others from the Kootenays will take advantage of this incredible opportunity. I would like to also thank the Rossland Rotary Club, the Trail Kwanis Club, Kootenay Association of Science and Technology, and Rossland Nutrition Committee.
