Hey š I'm Amy
In case you don't know me, I'll start things off by saying that this month I've:
Attempted the 3 most controversial thanksgiving pies -- appleš, pumpkinš & pecan. Conclusion? AppleĀ is undeniably the best
Tried to bridge the social distance with my friends by sending each other snail mail! š Reading handwritten letters feel completely different than reading Instagram DMs ā¤ļøĀ
Pranked my friends on Halloween through zoom š±Ā
Now ontoĀ something more interesting...
Participating in TKS's Global AI Hackathon!
To kick off October, TKS brought together some of the brightest student minds from all over the world to solve real-world problems using AI!Ā
Along with one of the best teams I've ever worked with (shoutout to team yeetwell š„:Ā Aditiya, Laira, Edward, Bernice & Sonali), we created and presentedĀ Avocado, an AI-powered app where with just the shutter of a camera, gives you suggestions on how to eat healthier.
Lessons learned:
Don't come up with a solution before youĀ identify a specific problem
ĀAsk for advice earlyĀ (maybe even from professionals!)Ā One piece of feedback could potentially change your idea from amazingĀ to -->Ā out of this world ššĀ
ĀMaintaining aĀ comfortable team cultureĀ is crucial for a final project everyone can be proud of. Allow yourselves to haveĀ fun once in a while! And to avoid negative tension, make sure everyone's intentions are aligned on to theĀ final goal --Ā a product that matters.
Click theĀ avocadoĀ ā¬ļø to see what 6 adrenaline-fueled students finished with 1 minute left on the clock!
AttendingĀ MIT's Tough Tech Summit
There are many tough problems in our world today -- climate change, a growing population, even the pandemic we are all in right now.Ā
To fight the š 's toughest problems, we need the world's toughestĀ tech.
Here's what was talked about at the summit:
Efficient collaboration betweenĀ the government and private sector toĀ build back better
UsingĀ microbes to transform carbon wasteĀ into usable fuels
Plant-based meatsĀ to feed our growing population
All in all, itĀ was a super eye-opening summit and provided hopeĀ that our world isn't completely doomed!
Read my article below on how to make the most out of any conference!ā¬ļøĀ
Got any younger siblings?
Teach them about the immune system by showing themĀ myĀ article below ā¬ļøĀ
The Immune System Explained for 10-Year-Olds š
Media Recs
Wonder how companies likeĀ apple, google, intuit, etc.Ā got to where they are today? Hint: it's because of this guy
šĀ
Trillion Dollar CoachĀ is an extremely engaging and thought-provoking book. I have sticky notes on almost every page š¤Æ
If you want to learnĀ how to bring the best out of every team, this is the book for you!
F.E.A.R. to LiveĀ was written by 16-year-old Valerie Tang. However, it contains a deep understanding of life that we may never get to until... like ever.
I would recommend this if you feel lost in life (don't worry you're not alone)
OR
If you just want to experience breathtaking analogies and read the most beautiful writing ever! š
This is one of my favourite articles ever because it makes meĀ physically excitedĀ about our future šĀ
It talks about the possibilities of synthetic biology --Ā the ability to design life from scratch!!!
One point really stuck with me:Ā if we can't make mars habitable for us, why don't we make us habitable for mars?
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Learn more right here ā¬ļø
The Synbio Revolution š§¬š§«
On Self-Worth & HappinessĀ
This month, I've noticed a change in my confidence and self-security. I've come to terms with the fact that no matter what, there will always be someone better than you in something -- whether that be popularity, grades, knowledge, abilities, etc. But does that mean that you don't deserve to celebrate your own successes?
Success and happiness aren't relative. If you feel like you're in a good place right now, you are š Stop comparing your life to others' lives.
--
Here are some lessons I've learned:
AccomplishmentĀ and authenticity breeds confidence.
1) Being jealous of others' accomplishments isn't going to help you in any way. It's difficult to feel good about yourself without any personal achievements... soĀ go out there andĀ do something for yourself!Ā Challenge yourself with somethingĀ youĀ find interesting. Whether that be writing an article, filming a video, learning something new, etc. You'll be surprised at how fun it'll be š„³
2) All influential people have 1 thing in common š¤...
Is it money? fame? looks?Ā
Nope.
It'sĀ authenticity.Ā (read this)
In short, authenticity meansĀ beingĀ your true self.
The more you practice being authentic, the more you'll feelĀ okay with who you are and the less insecure you'll become. In turn, you'll allow yourself to be more creative as well!
Authenticity tip š”Ā --> if you don't know how to be yourself right now,Ā start by stopping trying to be like other people.Ā
3)Ā Work on your relationships.Ā AĀ study by HarvardĀ showed that more than money or fame,Ā close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives.Ā This may be important now more than ever in the current state of our world.
In the past month, I've got to meet and get to know some TKSpectaular people. After every call, I gain fresh insights, a new perspective of life & a surge of excitement!
Prioritize spending time with your close friends and familyĀ as well! They'll be the ones you can fall back on when you're in need of support.Ā
The next morning, when you open your curtains, stay there and enjoy the sunlight on your face for a while. Look up at the blueĀ sky, listen to the birds chirping and just enjoy your life for what it is and what it could be š .Ā
Next stop: November!Ā šĀ
Upcoming Conferences
Nov. 18:
Y Combinator'sĀ Future Founders Conference
ĀNov. 10-13:Ā Cascon x EvokeĀ Developer Summit (a lot of TKS students & alumni will be speaking there!)
Personal Goals
Get supercharged ā”ļø with knowledge about synthetic biology
ĀListen to more podcastsĀ to learn how to use words impactfully š„ (feel free to send me good podcast recs!)
Hope you enjoyed your time here, as a token of my appreciation...Ā
Throwback Thursday!
Here's some š„ from the good old days to get you through the rest of November! ā¬ļøĀ
Connect with me on twitter.