This week, everything shifted to thinking about the final presentation. The big question was: should the students do a live demo or record videos of their projects in action? We also worked on PowerPoints—how to condense everything they learned into just a few slides. It wasn’t easy, but I prompted them to really reflect on their journey and their key takeaways. I encouraged them to think about how to “sell” their product and take us through their thought process. I wanted them to own their work and be proud of what they’d achieved.

Of course, not everything went smoothly. Some of the 3D models didn’t turn out as expected, and we had to make last-minute runs to Home Depot to grab makeshift containers for a few projects. But most of the prototypes worked out well, and some were honestly pretty impressive. I was especially proud of the glasses that alert the user with a buzzer if the screen brightness is too high, the temperature-sensing cooling hoodie, and the pressure-sensing shoes. Each one had a clear, practical application, and you could tell the students really thought through their designs.

As the program wrapped up, it felt surreal. It seems like just yesterday we were kicking off this journey, and now here we are at the finish line. Reflecting on what I’ve learned about leadership, I’ve realized that true leadership is about serving others with your knowledge and using it to take action—not just sitting back and complaining when things go wrong. I’ve learned to inspire others by leading with patience and purpose, to step in when needed but also give space for others to grow.

I’m also grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of my African culture with everyone. We had some amazing field trips too—to the Microsoft Garage, NASA, the FDA—where we met so many inspiring people who reinforced the idea that with passion and determination, anything is possible.

Looking back, I’m just so proud of the team and what we’ve pulled off together. This experience has taught me that leadership is about more than just guiding a project—it’s about bringing out the best in others and helping them believe in themselves. I’m leaving this program feeling fulfilled, inspired, and grateful for the journey we’ve been on