The last few days of NSO sure have flown by. Participants and Leaders have both been treated to some pretty rewarding, wacky, and memorable experiences.
Saturday started with the annual UPEI Shinerama campaign, which, like it seems to be every year, was a resounding success. UPEI students exceeded the $20,000 goal set by its co-ordinators and raised approximately $21,550 dollars for Cystic Fibrosis research. Way to go UPEI!
Things got both wacky and memorable Saturday evening when Damian the hypnotist took several students through a sub-conscious experience they (and the audience) will never forget. Two people took off their clothes this year – I have no idea of this is a new record or not.
Sunday’s rain may have dampened the Island, and plans to head to the beach, but definitely not the spirits of our first-year students. They spent the day mini-golfing in Cavendish before competing in a highly competitive game of manhunt on campus and then laughing along to a night of sketch and stand-up comedy by Halifax based group Picnic Face. There were more than a couple of students who mentioned to me that they were disappointed NSO was ending, and that classes were starting the next day. Summer vacation was over!
After what was no doubt an exhilarating first day as university students, the first-year NSO participants gathered for a banquet in Wanda Wyatt where they relived some of the better moments of the weekend, thanked their Leaders and sponsors, and celebrated the dedication and spirit of a select few by handing out awards. It really was a lovely way to end NSO and I am certain that all of the participants and leaders are sad to see it come to an end.
I want to mention at this point that Patrick Greco and Megan Jennings did an absolutely wonderful job of co-ordinating NSO this year and they deserve all the recognition that is coming their way. Awesome job guys!
I hope that everyone enjoyed his or her first day back to class. I was fortunate enough to avoid a Monday course this semester so I will be waking up tomorrow with the mild feeling of dread that inevitably comes with going back to school.
See you on campus!
Timothy Cullen
UPEISU President