Over 4 weeks ago, I volunteered to be a part of a design hackathon that was sponsored by a Design group that trains new designers like myself.
I pulled out of their training at the beginning because I was chosen for another program at the time but I stayed in their group.
When they mentioned a group competition I was all over the idea because I saw it as an opportunity to learn from other designers and also have an experience of what it would be like to work with other designers on a single project.
Well, it's safe to say that I was heavenly disappointed by the turnout and their overall refusal to do any work. It was so sad and at some point, I wanted to give up and leave the project but that's not a fun reputation to leave behind so I did what I am learning to do best, I made things happen.
From the beginning, everyone refused to take up a leadership role so they selected me as their team leader. At first 3 or 4 out of the 5 members would show up for meetings, then eventually only 3 people showed up.
I gave out tasks and right after they completed the task 3 out of the 5 members said they wouldn't be able to continue working. This happened 3 days before the deadline and we had so much work left undone.
Long story short, I and only 1 other member of the team got the work done. On the night before the submission, I had to redo the entire project because the design required constant iteration and I came up with a better idea.
We were asked to create a data bank that could serve as an internet data bank on your mobile that can help store data from your home or office router that can be used when you're at a different location.
It was very complicated and the thought process was daunting. But I got it done, alongside the other team member who I had to pretty much drag at every point in time.
The crazy part is that on the day of the presentation, only my team out of the other 4 teams was ready with a product and a case study for the presentation.
The organisers were so impressed by my work and the fact that I had the hardest challenge but I managed to scale through even when I was deserted by my teammates... And as a bonus, my presentation was remarkable too.
They took our account details and promised to send us our prize money. This was on Saturday and I still haven't received it yet but the praise alone made me feel like a million dollars.
I wasn't always this determined or serious with anything. In school, I made fun of people who took projects as seriously as I've been taking different projects these days. It's truly a rewarding feeling and I'm proud of myself.
I may not have the job or the money just yet, but I know for sure that I'm on the right track and as long as I can maintain the energy, I know I'll make all the money I desire and have the satisfaction while I make it too.
I look forward to a productive week...