Hello Everyone!
I have returned from my month-long program hosted at York University, Vanier Residence. The picture below was taken the first full day we spent at SHAD (STEAM enrichment program) on campus and includes the 55 other SHAD participants and myself, as well as the program directors and PA’s standing in front of Bergeron Centre. I am standing in the second row from the top, third in from the right.
I don’t know where to begin. This 26-day experience was so rewarding!
The Design Entrepreneurship project ‘big idea’ for this year’s SHAD program, spanning 19 University campuses from all across Canada, was ‘How Might We Improve Well-Being in Canadians?’. With this big idea we were given a group of fellow SHADs and were told to work through solving the problem. My group focused on the comfort side of well-being and our ‘How might we?’ question ended up being “How might we improve patient and physician communication.” Overall, the DE project was a benefit to me in the aspects of: teambuilding, problem solving and pitching.
Some of the best experiences of my program included: getting to know everyone who attended and with that, making new friendships, the lectures on wellness, growth mindset, talks about university scholarships, a trip to Linked-In to have a fire-side chat with Canada’s country manager Diana Luu, ‘Shormal’ (A SHAD formal dance), a two-night camping trip to Warsaw Caves to tent and explore the caves, a trip on the subway to travel downtown Toronto to Ripley’s Aquarium, musical performances at a Teahouse, presenting my SHAD speak and listening to others.
Other great activities included being a part of a committee in planning the entire Open Day for parents. We had to arrange tasks like parent emails, creating a menu with a chef that included a banquet lunch for families, a project gallery open house, and a program for a variety show with performances by local SHADs.
My whole SHAD experience better prepared me for life, living by myself, holding myself accountable and University preparation. I met many people that will help me if I ever need anything and I learned that we all have such different skill
sets.
Even though the application process was tough, I would like to encourage those who want to apply, to just go for it! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve learned to always try new things.
A very special thank-you goes out to a number of individuals and groups for their generous donations. Thanks to the local Lion’s Head & District LIONS club, the Peninsula SWANS club, the Purple Valley Women’s Institute, everyone who purchased a square for the quilt draw, Dr. Laing, the Rotary Club of Northern Bruce Peninsula, my grandparents, parents and sister, Lisa VanGeem, Carol Ruland, the Staff at the Lion’s Head IDA Pharmacy, Kevin Kuipers, and the Brocklebanks. Without your support, this venture would have been much more challenging.
Sincerely,
Elise Stewart
