Week five was all about closing gaps and making the most of every remaining day. The early chaos did not disappear overnight, but by now, everyone had learned how to move forward despite it. As we entered week five, the pressure to get projects over the finish line was palpable, but so was the growth — in individuals, in the group, and in myself.

A big focus was distributing the last of the equipment and materials so every student could keep building their project. This was not always straightforward — tracking down missing pieces and solving technical hiccups took time. Still, the energy in the room felt different this week. Instead of frustration, there was more determination and problem-solving. Students got what they needed and immediately put it to use.

There were certainly disparities in how the week unfolded — at times, my fellow instructors and I struggled to get the students to listen, as nerves about unfinished prototypes, unprinted 3D models, and delayed materials made it hard for them to focus. When this happened, we found alternative activities and tried to work around these challenges, making sure progress continued in whatever way possible.

We spent a lot of time on presentations. There was a real shift as students refined their slides and practiced their delivery, and we made feedback a priority. Each round of input — whether from peers or instructors — helped them see things from new angles. The results were obvious: presentations became clearer, more confident, and better structured. It was encouraging to watch the growth from the first attempts to where the students are now. This week reinforced how much progress can come from repeated practice and a willingness to listen to different perspectives.

On the technical side, we kept working to improve the 3D models and get the printers running reliably. There were still setbacks — software issues, printer errors, last-minute design tweaks — but everyone kept at it. The process is not glamorous, but it is necessary, and the students handled it with more patience and resourcefulness than before.

Beyond the technical progress, something else stood out this week — the bond between instructors and students grew noticeably stronger. The atmosphere became more relaxed and open, and small moments of levity started to pop up throughout the day. Inside jokes circulated during work sessions, and sometimes a pushup challenge would emerge during lunch, leading to spontaneous competitions that broke up the routine and brought a lot of laughter.

These lighter moments made a difference. They reminded us that learning and growth do not have to be serious all the time. By sharing jokes, supporting each other through setbacks, and finding reasons to laugh together, we built trust and mutual respect. It was clear that students felt more comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and even giving feedback to instructors.

Looking back, week five felt like a turning point. The messiness has not vanished, but the group’s ability to handle it — and to enjoy the journey — has improved. Students are more independent, more confident, and more willing to support each other. Our community is stronger, and the value of practice, feedback, and connection is clearer than ever.

Reflecting on my own experience, I realize I’ve grown a lot throughout this program as well. I’ve become more adaptable and patient, especially in the face of uncertainty and shifting plans. I’m learning how to better support students not just technically, but also emotionally — helping them manage stress and stay motivated. As we head into the final stretch, I feel more confident as a mentor and more connected to the team. We are not just finishing projects — we are finishing as a team.