The learning outcomes that I achieved at Shad Valley include being aware of my strengths and areas for growth, undertaking new challenges, planning and initiating activities, working collaboratively with others, showing perseverance and commitment in my activities, engaging with issues of global importance, considering the ethical implications of my actions and developing new skills. I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses by being able to see the strength of my knowledge in science compared to business when Shad Valley embodies both disciplines in its program. I undertook new challenges, which include presenting myself in front of CEOs of companies. I planned and initiated activities for the other Shads by coming up with games and fun icebreakers. I worked collaboratively with other Shads on projects such as the Shad Cup and the Marketing Challenge. I showed perseverance and commitment by staying up until 6:00 am working on the Shad Cup Business Plan due the next morning. I engaged with issues of global importance by developing products that alleviate barriers associated with disabled Canadian children. I considered the ethical implications of my actions by acknowledging the fact that the product that will be designed for Shad Cup will help break down barriers that hold back disabled Canadian children. Finally, I developed new skills by being able to present myself in a business-like fashion.
What I hoped to accomplish before going to Shad Valley was to get as much as I could within the one month and make close friends and I am happy to say that I have accomplished both. Now, I wish I had another opportunity to go back to Shad Valley like many Shad alumni. I also wanted to improve on my social skills because naturally I am introverted. Once I attended Shad Valley, I personally felt more outgoing amongst my friends and I gained more motivation to go outside and meet more people. Overall Shad Valley shaped me as a more mature person.
The difficulties that I faced in Shad Valley was in the beginning where I felt extremely nervous about leaving my home for a month. In the first two days I felt home sick; however, the people that I was staying with made it all easier for me. As the weeks progressed I grew extremely close to the other Shads and my view about my home changed. I did not want to go back!
I interacted with 64 other Shads in my campus as well as the program assistants and managers. All 64 of them had inspiring stories to tell about how they got here and what their future aspirations are. We all found common goals as a group and we continue to support each other even after the program has ended. As well I was able to engage with experts in orthopaedics, cardiology and entrepreneurship. These individuals I engaged with gave me the inspiration and enabled me to solidify my aspirations for university.
Through my activity I was able to learn more about myself and what I am capable of. In Shad Valley, I learnt that I was able to sell a product well in front of an audience, I was able to develop a business plan for a product and I was able to be myself and still be accepted by my peers. What I learnt about others when engaging in this program is that there are other people with the same drive as me all across Canada. Now I realize that there are plenty of amazing students around our nation that I would love to meet in the future. This common drive with others made me learn that similar motivations lead to quicker friendships.
In summary, the skills, abilities and attitudes that I have gained from this experience improved my ability to socialize, my abilities to perform in the realm of business and entrepreneurship and I became more inspired to pursue my aspirations in the future.
Every Shad within the Shad Valley program was able to benefit from every other Shad. We mutually all gave each other support which enhanced our motivation to achieve our dreams.
I would never change my experience at Shad Valley because every single moment within that month of July was perfect and unforgettable. I wish I was able to go back.
I can easily apply what I have learned from this activity into other life situations. I now have the confidence to speak with people and meet new individuals. I am able to understand the business aspect of the world which could benefit me in my pursuit of science. Possibly embodying business in the realm of science. I also now have more motivation to perform well in my academics from this program and my contribution as a prefect was affected by this experience as well.
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