Week four was a true test of adaptability and teamwork. The excitement of seeing our projects come together was matched by the reality of logistical hiccups, shifting plans, and the pressure to help every student move forward.

Our students continued deepening their work with Arduino programming and 3D modeling as we refined the bills of materials and waited for some of the purchased materials to arrive. The students made the most of the wait, tweaking their code and designs, but it was clear that not having everything on hand started to slow their momentum. The anticipation grew each day, and managing that energy — while trying to keep everyone focused — was a new challenge.

Behind the scenes, the logistics were anything but smooth. Several bills of materials were incomplete or kept changing as project ideas evolved. This meant we had to delay some purchases and keep updating our records, which created a ripple effect of uncertainty and frustration. It was a reminder that clear, timely communication is essential — both within the team and with the students. We doubled down on checking details, keeping everyone updated, and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Another challenge was the return of a student who had been away for two weeks. She needed to catch up on a significant amount of content and get started on her prototype. The team rallied to get her up to speed, sharing notes and explanations until she was ready to jump in. It was a solid moment of collective effort — proof that when things get tough, supporting each other is not optional; it is essential.

A highlight this week was our field trip to Tufts University. Hearing from several college students gave our group a valuable window into what lies ahead after high school. The speakers shared honest stories about their own journeys — choosing majors, facing setbacks, and finding their footing academically and socially. What stood out was the openness about uncertainty and change: careers and life paths do not always follow a straight line, and that is okay.

I also took this opportunity to share my own experiences with the students. I spoke honestly about my own journey — how my plans have shifted, the challenges I have faced, and what I have learned about adapting along the way. I wanted them to see that uncertainty is normal, and that growing through unexpected turns can be just as valuable as reaching any specific goal.

We did not just talk about academics or careers. There was an open conversation about life and meaning, including an activity where students ranked their priorities and ambitions. It was powerful to see everyone reflect on what truly matters to them, beyond grades and achievements. The discussion about balancing ambition with well-being, and how to define success in personal terms, sparked thoughtful conversations and some surprising realizations — not just for the students, but for myself as well.

This trip planted the seed that planning for the future is not about having every detail figured out — it is about knowing your values, staying adaptable, and seeking out opportunities that align with your true priorities.

Looking back, this week was messy but honest. There were moments of stress and confusion, but also real progress as everyone learned to deal with uncertainty and keep moving. Teamwork was critical. We had to lean on each other, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly to whatever came up.

If there is one lesson I am taking away, it is that chaos is part of any ambitious project. What matters is how we respond: by facing problems head-on, working together, and staying focused on our goals. As we head into next week, I am more confident in our ability to handle whatever comes our way.