Overview

The Tech Your Health (TYH) program with TSN has been a truly transformative experience for me, both as an instructor and a scholar. Over six weeks, I had the opportunity to guide students through the complex and fascinating world of healthcare technologies, engineering design, coding, and 3D modeling. The program's objectives were ambitious: to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create wearable health devices while also fostering professional interaction and community engagement. This journey was filled with challenges, opportunities for growth, and finally, a sense of accomplishment.

My Role as an Instructor

As the instructor of the healthcare module, my primary responsibility was to guide students through the intricate world of healthcare technologies and the engineering principles that support them. I delivered a curriculum that ranged from foundational life science knowledge to the classification and application of existing healthcare technologies. Students also explored engineering design theories and applied these concepts through real-life case studies.

My teaching approach required not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also the flexibility to adapt my methods to meet the diverse needs of our students. Beyond the healthcare module, I also assisted my fellow instructors in the coding module, providing one-on-one tutorials to ensure that each student could progress, regardless of their initial coding experience. In the final weeks of the program, I worked closely with students on their presentations, helping them refine their slides and communicate their ideas effectively.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role was witnessing the students transform their initial ideas into fully functional prototypes. This process involved breaking down complex concepts into manageable lessons, offering personalized guidance, and encouraging students to think creatively about the challenges they were addressing. My goal was to ensure that each student felt supported and motivated throughout the program, fostering an environment where they could thrive, regardless of their starting point.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Time Constraints
   The most significant challenge we faced was time. With only six weeks to cover a broad and complex curriculum, we had to prioritize the most essential topics while ensuring that students gained a comprehensive understanding of healthcare technology. To manage this, we focused on the key concepts that would be directly applicable to the students' final projects, and we streamlined our lessons to make the most of our limited time.
2. Limited Coding Background
   Introducing Python to students with no prior coding experience in just two weeks was a daunting task. We addressed this by starting with the basics and gradually building up to more complex topics. Additionally, we offered one-on-one tutorials to help students who were struggling, ensuring that everyone could keep up with the pace of the course.
3. Initial Disengagement
   At the start, many students found coding and 3D modeling challenging and tedious. To counter this, we made the lessons as interactive as possible, incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications of the concepts they were learning. We also emphasized the importance of these skills in developing their final prototypes, which helped to increase their motivation and engagement.
4. Diverse Student Needs
   The students in the TYH program came from different backgrounds and had varying levels of knowledge and interest in the subject matter. A one-size-fits-all approach was not feasible, so we adapted our teaching strategies to cater to the different learning styles and paces of the students. This involved designing customized teaching plans, providing personalized feedback, and offering additional support where needed.
5. Final Prototype Development
   The final challenge was helping students integrate coding, hardware, and healthcare concepts into cohesive and functional prototypes. This required a delicate balance of technical guidance and creative freedom. We worked closely with each student, offering advice and troubleshooting technical issues while encouraging them to think outside the box and innovate.

Collaboration and Communication

1. Instructors and Students:
   Collaboration between instructors and students was key to the success of the TYH program. We worked together not just in the classroom, but also during the development of the prototypes. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of teamwork and mutual respect, making it easier for students to ask questions, share ideas, and support each other.
2. Instructor Teamwork:
   Within the team of instructors, collaboration was essential for designing lesson plans, addressing challenges, and ensuring that each student's needs were met. We communicated regularly, shared our insights, and supported each other in our roles. This teamwork allowed us to create a cohesive and effective program that truly benefited the students.
3. Community Engagement:
   Communication extended beyond the classroom as well. Engaging with the local community and involving them in the students' projects was an integral part of the TYH program. This not only provided students with valuable feedback but also helped them understand the real-world implications of their work.

Leadership and Personal Growth

• Reflection:
  This experience has significantly shaped my leadership skills. Leading a diverse group of students through a complex curriculum required a high level of adaptability and patience. I learned the importance of reflection—not just at the end of the program, but throughout the process. Reflecting on each day's successes and challenges allowed me to adjust my approach and continuously improve the learning experience for the students.
• Friendships:
  Building friendships with my fellow instructors and students played a significant role in the success of the program. The mutual support we provided each other created a strong foundation for collaboration. For example, when some students were struggling with their prototypes, the camaraderie we had built allowed us to work together seamlessly, offering each other advice and encouragement that ultimately led to successful outcomes.
• Reminders:
  Throughout the program, keeping our core commitments at the forefront was essential. Regular reminders, such as setting milestones for students’ progress or scheduling periodic reviews with fellow instructors, helped us maintain consistency. These reminders were not just logistical but also motivational, ensuring that we stayed focused on our goals of student engagement and success.
• Exemplars:
  Throughout the program, I looked to my colleagues and the program’s successful past iterations as exemplars of effective leadership. Observing how others handled challenges—whether it was a particularly difficult teaching moment or a logistical hurdle—provided me with valuable insights. I then applied these lessons to my own teaching, striving to set a good example for my students by demonstrating perseverance and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Habits:
  Developing leadership habits was crucial in maintaining a positive and productive learning environment. Consistent communication, offering timely feedback, and creating a supportive atmosphere were daily practices that contributed to the overall success of the program. These habits not only helped the students succeed but also reinforced my own leadership capabilities. 

Final Achievements

The ending of the TYH program was the presentation of the students' final prototypes. Each student had developed a unique wearable health device, addressing a specific health issue. The presentations were a testament to the hard work, creativity, and perseverance of the students. It was incredibly rewarding to see their ideas come to life and to witness the pride they took in their accomplishments.

Prototypes Presented:

• Ava: A heart rate measurement and storage device, designed to be both functional and aesthetically appealing.
• Carlton: A device that provides mental motivation by prompting inspiring quotes to users in a minimalist design.
• Justin: A reminder system with timers for various tasks, promoting a stress-free lifestyle.
• Malakai: An ankle force measurement device designed to address ankle injuries in high-impact sports.
• Quan: A sleep quality measurement tool using noise level and motion detectors.
• Ryan: A hoodie with internal air-based cooling to prevent overheating.
• Vinson: Glasses equipped with a light sensor relay to warn against prolonged and unhealthy screen time.

Friendship and Community

Over the six weeks, my fellow scholars and I became close friends. Working closely together, we built strong bonds based on shared experiences and challenges. Outside the classroom, our trips to Rhode Island and New York were particularly memorable. Whether we were exploring new places, sharing meals, or simply enjoying each other's company, these moments brought us closer together. These friendships provided strong support that helped us navigate the challenges of the program and brought  joy to our work.

My relationship with the students was another highlight of the program. From the beginning, I made it a priority to build rapport and trust with each student. By getting to know them on a personal level, I was able to tailor my teaching to meet their individual needs and encourage them when they felt discouraged. The trust we built made it easier for them to open up about their challenges and successes, creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

The field trips we organized were not just educational experiences for the students—they were opportunities to connect with the local communities. These trips allowed us to interact with local companies, and explore how the students’ projects could make a real impact. These experiences enriched the students' understanding of the societal context of their work and helped them see the broader implications of their prototypes. The connections we made during these trips will hopefully lead to lasting relationships that continue beyond the program.

Conclusion

The Tech Your Health program has been an enriching experience that has significantly contributed to my growth as an educator and leader. The challenges we faced and the solutions we developed not only helped the students succeed but also taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, communication, and collaboration. As we conclude this journey, I am filled with pride for what we have accomplished and excitement for the future possibilities that lie ahead for both the students and myself.