My Journey at Global Hack Week: A First-Timer’s Perspective
Tags: mlhgrad, globalhackweek, mlh, beginners
Published: 2023-10-16 22:09:56


**Introduction**

In the fast-paced world of technology, innovation knows no boundaries. As aspiring programmers and tech enthusiasts, we are always seeking opportunities to test our skills, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and push the limits of what we can create. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in my first Global Hack Week organized by Major League Hacking (MLH), and the experience was nothing short of transformative. In this blog, I want to share my journey, the challenges I faced, and the invaluable lessons I learned during this exhilarating event.

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**The Beginning: Anticipation and Excitement**

The days leading up to the hackathon were filled with anticipation. I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As a first-timer, I didn’t quite know what to expect. The prospect of working on innovative projects, collaborating with a diverse group of people, and learning from industry experts was both thrilling and daunting.

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**Day 1: Ideation and Teaming Up**

The event kicked off with a high-energy opening ceremony that set the tone for the week ahead. With my mind buzzing with ideas, I jumped into the ideation phase. One of the things that struck me was the incredible creativity and diversity of ideas floating around the room. From AI-powered solutions to environmental challenges to blockchain-based innovations, the range of possibilities was awe-inspiring.

Teaming up proved to be one of the most crucial steps. I found myself surrounded by passionate individuals, each bringing unique skills to the table. We brainstormed, debated, and finally settled on an idea that we were all excited about: a mobile app aimed at promoting sustainable living through gamification and community engagement.

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**Days 2-4: The Hackathon Sprint**

The hackathon days were a blur of coding, designing, and problem-solving. The adrenaline was pumping as we delved into the technical aspects of our project. There were moments of frustration and self-doubt, but there was also an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. Mentors and fellow participants were always ready to offer assistance and encouragement.

Sleep became a rare commodity as we worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life. Despite the exhaustion, the thrill of watching our project evolve kept us going. The hackathon environment was electrifying, with teams around us working on equally amazing projects. The shared passion for technology and innovation was palpable.

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**Day 5: Presentation and Reflection**

As the hackathon drew to a close, it was time to present our work to the judges. Standing on stage, I felt a mix of pride and nervousness. Presenting in front of a panel of experts was both daunting and exhilarating. We showcased our app, highlighting its features, functionality, and the impact it could potentially make on promoting sustainable living.

The presentations from other teams were inspiring. The creativity and ingenuity displayed in those few minutes were awe-inspiring. Win or lose, everyone had achieved something remarkable during the week.

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**Conclusion: Beyond the Hackathon**

Although the hackathon week ended, the experience left a lasting impact on me. I walked away with a newfound confidence in my abilities, a broader perspective on technology’s potential, and a network of talented individuals I now consider friends. The lessons I learned about teamwork, resilience, and innovation are invaluable and will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in the tech industry.

Attending Global Hack Week by Major League Hacking as a first-timer was an adventure filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. If you’re a budding technologist or a coding enthusiast, I highly recommend participating in such events. The experience will not only enhance your skills but also open doors to a world of endless possibilities.

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*Author: Mukut Das*  
*Date: October 17, 2023*