Sri Haritha Deevi, Student Life Editor
Organizers and Volunteers from GDSC hosting Hack Dearborn. Photo//Shams Ahson
Hackathons have always been one of those events that bring together creativity, innovation, and a love for technology. Being a beginner and attending my first hackathon at the University of Michigan-Dearborn was nothing short of an exhilarating experience.
The event, Hack Dearborn, was not only a chance to challenge myself, but also an opportunity to immerse myself in a community of like-minded individuals.
Here’s a glimpse of my journey through the two-day event:
Networking and Sponsor Introductions
The event kicked off with a bustling networking session. The room was filled with energy as sponsors, including Fetch.ai, Amazon, ETAS, Little Caesars, Rocket Companies, and Retail 365, set up their stalls.
For me, this part of the hackathon was particularly exciting because I got to interact with representatives from leading tech companies. Many attendees, like myself, flocked to the stalls, eager to learn about new technologies and perhaps even land a future internship or job.
The networking session was more than just a meet-and-greet. It was an invaluable opportunity to get a firsthand look at how these companies operate and what they expect from upcoming tech talent. It set the tone for the event, reminding us all that hackathons are not just about coding, but about building relationships and learning from others.
Opening Ceremony and Sponsor Recognition
At 11 AM, the official opening ceremony began. The organizers, led by Shams Ahson from the Google Developer Student Club, welcomed everyone and introduced the team behind the event. I appreciated how smoothly the event was organized, with the team giving due recognition to the sponsors who made it all possible.
Each company sponsor was introduced, and many of them shared a few words about their involvement and what they were looking forward to seeing from participants. As someone new to hackathons, this introduction helped ease my nerves.
The Hackathon Begins: Workshops and Puzzles
At noon, the hackathon officially kicked off with a series of knowledge-sharing workshops. The workshops covered various topics, including Google AI agents, Fetch.ai technology, React, Swift, and Flutter. I decided to attend the Google AI agent workshop, hoping to expand my knowledge of artificial intelligence. The workshops were engaging and the presenters were patient and took the time to answer questions.
There were fun puzzles like “Capture the Flag,” where participants could earn Cosmo Coins, a playful in-event currency that could later be redeemed for raffle prizes. These activities balanced learning with entertainment, keeping the energy high throughout the day. It was refreshing to see how learning could be made fun and interactive, breaking the stereotype that hackathons are all about intense coding marathons.
Fun and Games: Evening Activities
As the day progressed, the organizers kept the fun going with a series of light-hearted games and activities. Swing dancing and the Major League Hacking (MLH) cup-stacking competition were particularly memorable. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed taking part in these activities - it provided a welcome break from the more technical aspects of the hackathon.
One thing that stood out was how inclusive and community-driven the event felt. Whether you were a seasoned coder or a total beginner, there was something for everyone. This spirit of inclusion extended to the meal arrangements as well. We were treated to a variety of meals, from a pompous lunch to an array of snacks and a delicious dinner, keeping us fueled throughout the day.
Raffle Prizes and Day 1 Movie Night
Throughout the event, attendees had the chance to win raffle prizes using the Cosmo Coins earned from puzzles, games, and workshops. The prizes ranged from tech gadgets to cool swag, adding a layer of excitement as participants tallied up their coins and awaited the draws.
By midnight, Day 1 concluded with a movie night. For an hour, we unwound and relaxed, watching a light-hearted film to cap off a long day of learning and creating. Some participants pulled an all-nighter, working on their projects well past the midnight mark, while others, including myself, took a much-needed nap and resumed coding with refreshed energy.
Day 2: Final Submissions and the Winning Team
Day 2 began early with a hearty breakfast at 8 AM. As we all fueled up for the final stretch, there was a sense of urgency and excitement in the air. By noon, all project submissions were in, and it was time for the judges to evaluate the work.
The judges meticulously reviewed each team’s presentation, offering constructive feedback and appreciating the innovative ideas on display. The winning project, created by a team named "Second Chapter," stood out for its creativity and execution.
Reflecting on Hack Dearborn’s Success
As the event wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Hack Dearborn was more than just a competition - it was a place where I learned, grew, and connected with people who share my passion for technology. The meticulous organization of the event, from the workshops and meals to the final judging, made it a smooth and enjoyable experience for all the attendees.
For a first-time participant like myself, Hack Dearborn was the perfect introduction to the world of hackathons. The focus on learning, community-building, and fun made it an unforgettable experience. I left the event not only with new knowledge and skills, but also with the motivation to continue exploring and creating in the tech space.
Hackathons can be intimidating for beginners, but my experience at Hack Dearborn showed me that they can also be incredibly rewarding. I look forward to attending many more in the future!
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