Building the First Engineering Club at The Village School
When I founded the Village Engineering Club at The Village School, I had a simple but ambitious vision: to create a space where students could turn their passion for engineering into real-world solutions. What started as a small group of curious minds quickly grew into the largest student-run engineering association on campus, bringing together over 80 students eager to explore science and technology beyond the classroom.
Bringing Engineering to Life: Career Fair & Spaghetti Bridge Challenge
One of the first major milestones for the club was organizing an Engineering Career Fair & Spaghetti Bridge Competition. I wanted students to see the diverse paths in engineering and test their problem-solving skills in a fun, hands-on way.
For the career fair, I personally reached out to industry professionals, alumni, and university representatives, inviting guest speakers from mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering fields. The event drew over 60 students, sparking insightful discussions about STEM careers and the future of engineering.
The Spaghetti Bridge Challenge, inspired by structural engineering principles, pushed students to design bridges from spaghetti and glue, testing their weight-bearing capacity. Seeing students work through trial and error, adjusting angles, reinforcing weak points, and cheering each other on, was a reminder of how powerful interactive learning can be.
Raising $8K for STEM Expansion
To expand our impact, I focused on securing funding for the club. I set up a GoFundMe campaign, sharing our mission with the local community, and worked closely with the school administration to gain financial support.
After weeks of pitching, presenting, and rallying support, we successfully raised $8,000. These funds allowed us to purchase STEM kits, 3D printing materials, and robotics components, turning the club into a fully equipped innovation hub.
Engineering for a Cause: Smart Desk Lamps & Battery-Powered Fans
One of our most impactful projects was designing and building 70 smart desk lamps and battery-powered fans for underprivileged communities in Houston.
Inspired by the power shortages and extreme heat that disadvantaged families face, our club worked together to design, prototype, and assemble these devices using affordable materials and rechargeable batteries. After weeks of testing and refining, we successfully distributed the lamps and fans to over 200 people, improving their quality of life and demonstrating how engineering can drive real social change.
Mentorship & Team-Building: Cultivating Future Engineers
As Founder & Counselor, I took on the role of mentoring younger members, guiding them through science experiments, hands-on projects, and engineering challenges.
One of my favorite moments was hosting bonding activities like the Egg Drop Challenge, where students designed protective casings for raw eggs dropped from increasing heights. Seeing the excitement, and the occasional messy failures, reminded me that engineering is about learning through experimentation and collaboration.
Reflections on Leadership & Impact
Leading the Village Engineering Club was more than just organizing events or building projects, it was about creating a community where students felt empowered to innovate, problem-solve, and use engineering for good.
From raising funds and mentoring students to making tangible contributions to underprivileged communities, this experience shaped my leadership skills, deepened my passion for STEM, and reinforced my belief in the power of hands-on learning.
Looking back, I see not just a club, but a legacy of curiosity, collaboration, and real-world impact, one that will continue to inspire young engineers for years to come.