July 10, 2008

Shad Valley Trent. The most exhilarating, exciting, and exuberant experience I have ever had!! With Trent's wonderful Program Director, Kingsley Hurlington, Shad Valley is a community of the best and brightest, working together to make a better world. Everyday here is filled with a sense of optimism, cheerfulness, and just plain “Shaditude”!

Today, starting the humid Thursday morning with breakfast and a daily report from SNN (Shad News Network), we had the wonderful opportunity to have an interactive lecture with Peterborough’s Liberal party candidate, Betsy MacGregor. With intense debate over today’s most pressing issues regarding zenotransplantation (the use of animal organs as replacement of human organs), the Shads had an awesome time learning group dynamics and understanding the decision-making process.

Following Betsy’s lecture, we had an even more Shadtastic time listening to Todd Melville and the intriguing origins of the universe. We also had the experience of a lifetime discovering the ‘explosive’ side of chemical physics.

Of course, by the afternoon, Shad Valley Trent had the experience of a lifetime, flying gliders made out of tissue paper, down Trent University’s wind tunnel, learning all about Physical Geography and Climatology – concepts which we found extremely useful, listening to Stephen Hill’s ‘late night’ lecture on sustainability, energy and coal.

Shad Valley Trent has thus far been an amazing experience filled with wonderful people, memorable moments and a true sense of belonging!

David Castelino
Shad Valley Trent
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario