A journey to conquer the skies and develop 21st-century skills

In February, the Drone Challenge came to the Secondary #HomeOfTheEagles, presenting exciting challenges as well as opportunities for students to explore their potential, develop technological skills, and demonstrate teamwork.

The competition provided students with a hands-on opportunity to apply technology, explore STEM, and develop essential 21st-century skills. Drawn to the values and challenges of the competition, Pham Quang Thieu, along with two teammates, eagerly formed a team, determined to conquer the Drone Challenge course together.

“In an era of rapid technological advancement, experiences involving technology not only provide new knowledge but also help us grow in thinking and action. For me, the Drone Challenge is precisely such an experience. It is not just a drone piloting competition, but a journey full of challenges, effort, and memorable moments – a journey to conquer the skies.”

During the competition, Quang Thieu faced numerous challenges. However, each stumble and the perseverance to overcome them helped him gain experience, resilience, and maturity. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:

“From the moment I learned about the competition, I felt both excited and nervous. Piloting a drone seems simple, but in reality, it requires great dexterity, focus, and coordination. In the first practice sessions, I faced many difficulties, such as drones flying off course, losing balance, or failing to land correctly. There were times when I tried repeatedly without success, which made me feel frustrated and doubt my own abilities.

However, instead of giving up, my teammates and I encouraged each other, shared ideas, and worked on solutions together. Gradually, our flight paths became more precise, and our landings became safer and more stable. Through this experience, I learned to observe carefully, adjust my actions thoughtfully, and remain calm in every situation. Every mistake was recorded as a lesson for the next attempt.”

Beyond improving piloting skills, the training journey helped Quang Thieu understand the value of teamwork. Smooth coordination among team members proved key to overcoming pressure and challenges.

“I realized that successful drone piloting requires not only individual skill but also close cooperation within the team. We assigned clear roles: pilot, observer, and technical support. Each person had an important role, and teamwork was the factor that enabled us to overcome the toughest challenges.”

Through persistent practice with his team, Quang Thieu’s team achieved First Place in Group B. This accomplishment was not only a reward for their diligent efforts but also a motivation for him to continue pursuing his passion for science and technology.

“The Drone Challenge taught me perseverance, listening to others, accepting mistakes, and having the courage to rise after failure. It also deepened my interest in science and technology and allowed me to explore the applications of drones in real life – from rescue operations and agriculture to filmmaking and scientific research. Regardless of the final results, I am proud that I gave my best. The ‘journey to conquer the skies’ is not just the journey of a drone, but also a journey of personal growth.”

Although the Drone Challenge has concluded, the spirit of creativity, effort, and collaborative learning that students developed will continue to inspire the PennSchool community, demonstrating the value of experiential, creative, and collaborative learning in cultivating technological skills and personal qualities.