I know I say this every time, but this will be VERY short and brief. My internet is gone in my room, even with an ethernet cord, so I can only go on internet in the common room. But they are kicking me out in 13min @ 12am as we need our sleep because we are going CAMPING tomorrow. Yes, camping. I know. Don't scare me. 3 days, 2 nights of h-e-double l. I am only bringing the Head backpack full of clothes and stuff, and of course a sleeping bag.
Yesterday, we worked on our monthbook and on our house projects. For monthbook, it seems like it is coming along. A boy in our group for monthbook is very tech-savy (he's the one who discuss Scheme). I know I could have done this, but he created a survey over google docs which will generate stats for our yearbook. They will be nerdy stats, like which Hogwarts house are you in (Ravenclaw etc) and are you asian or caucasian haha, you are only given those choices. Oh and guess what dad, he has a tablet and everyone here was admiring it today. Oh and a boy who goes to a private school in TO (St. Andrew's College) said that every student was given a tablet, and they ALL takes notes on them, even in math. They never have written notes anymore. All I could hear in my head when he was describing this was dad's voice saying "I told you so". So I say, another point for you dad-you are always right... Our project house is not coming along. When I get time (which seems to get more scarce everyday) I will have to discuss our progress. BUT PLEASE, comment if you have any suggestions on how Canada's aging population can live better. I know it's broad, so comment, comment, comment! All of you, we need ideas.
So, today was good. We had a full day workshop with this amazing guy who works for Oracle. He taught us more about the design process which he said should follow the process of identifying user profiles, creating a task flow (what are their needs) and write a scenario. He told us to focus on the consumer, and what the technology can do for them. He said engineers think too much about what technology can do for them, not for the user. Anyway, long story short, loved the lecture (which we have everyday). Ahhh, I have to go!!
I won't be home until Monday, so I will post again soon. Sorry for the limited details. But know that I am having a ton of fun, learning soo much, and the people here are amazing. Our PAs are awesome, they are the nerdiest, yet coolest people I know. And my fellow Shads are just fabulous. We have all become a lot closer since the first day. Music is played every night, and this guy is awesome at the guitar and we all sing along. AHHHH they are kicking me out!
Talk soon, common later!
-Carolyn
Here's an account of Friday, July 2 by a fellow UBC Shad.
I have heard over and over again that Shad Valley is a life changing experience. Even though, I came with my doubts, it’s been six days since I landed in Vancouver airport and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Although I struggle with the names, I’ve been able to meet an amazing group of people who share many of the same passions as I. This was a day of preparation for our house projects. We had a speaker in from Oracle to talk about design and problem extrapolation. As a result, from nine in the morning to noon we were in the lecture hall. After we practiced what we had learned by solving a problem about food distribution of food for the homeless - an interesting topic that had a lot of possible results, something that isn’t really discussed the presentations at the end were very interesting, it showed the individuality in our group. The evening was filled with lots of packing for our camping trip tomorrow. The evening was rushed in the sense of needing to find our gear, but after that we spent the rest laughing, playing soccer and using the musical instruments in our dorms. Included in the evenings affairs was laundry. A very difficult task for someone who has never done his own laundry before. Thankfully there were a number of Shads eager to help. It’s amazing how quickly our group of Shads have become friends. Every day we feel more comfortable around each other and build upon our relationships. I can`t wait to look back upon this experience and see how much it influenced me.
Jordan Bertagnolli, Shad Valley University of British Columbia 2010
Hometown: Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
I trust that when reading this, that you are home safe and sound from your camping adventures. Despite what your aunts, uncles and Grandparents might say about me about having Sand-itis, let me tell you that camping is not foreign to me ... I did in my youth experience a week long canoe trip in Algonquin Park, complete with portaging and finding my own food (just kidding on the last part). It is with mild regret that it is one facet of family adventures that both Mom and I have not been able to expose our younger Chongs to. I hope now that you will be better equip than I to change that.
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