The Journey to Conquer a Passion for Technology
A passion for technology has become a powerful driving force that enables our #HomeOfTheEagles to confidently “battle” and achieve impressive results in competitions both inside and outside the school.
In the context of the ever-evolving 4.0 digital era, applying advanced technology in learning not only helps students discover new knowledge but also brings dry theoretical concepts to life, making them more engaging and exciting than ever before. Their journey to master technology is not just about learning but also serves as a crucial stepping stone toward pursuing dreams and building a bright future.
“Nothing is easy at the beginning. If we want to conquer something, we must persevere until the end.” This heartfelt statement was shared by Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, a Grade 8 student and a member of the PennSchool team that won the First Prize at the STEAM – ROBOTICS Competition held at Nguyen Van To Secondary School.
Conquering his fear of robots after an accident in his childhood, Nguyen Phuong gradually built a passion for Robotics through deeper engagement with the subject.
“In Grade 6, I attended a Technology class in the Innovation Hub room. In that room, there were trophies, badges, and certificates hanging on the walls, serving as vivid proof of the passion and achievements of previous generations of students. Those images sparked my curiosity and inspired me to explore this field further.”
The journey to the STEAM – ROBOTICS Competition became an unforgettable experience for Nguyen Phuong and his team as they faced numerous strong competitors.
“After months of hard work, I began to experience the joy of seeing a robot operate smoothly as I had programmed it. That excitement motivated me to dedicate even more time to the subject. Eventually, I was chosen as a member of the School’s Robotics team. This was an opportunity for me to showcase my efforts and personal growth.
When we heard that we had a chance to participate in the STEAM – ROBOTICS Competition, our entire team was overjoyed. We talked about it every day, constantly planning and preparing for the competition.
At first, our team didn’t set high expectations. We treated the competition as an opportunity to learn, gain experience, and improve our Robotics skills. We didn’t believe our abilities were strong enough to win. However, it was this humility and focus on learning that allowed us to enter the competition with a relaxed mindset.
Then, the unexpected happened. When the results were announced, our team won the championship. That moment became one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The emotions of surprise, joy, and pride overwhelmed us. We had surpassed our own expectations and achieved the highest result possible.”
Like Nguyen Phuong, Truong Le Huy, a Grade 8 student, also shares a deep passion for Robotics. That enthusiasm grew even stronger when he had the opportunity to join his peers as a member of the Technoholics and participate in the VEX Robotics Competition. The event not only allowed Le Huy to pursue his passion but also helped him develop skills and build meaningful friendships.
“From the start of this competition, I was thrilled to learn that we would need to design and program a robot to tackle specific challenges set by the Judges. To create a fully functional and efficient robot, my team meticulously planned the robot design, followed by building and programming it. We also prepared several backup plans to be ready for any unexpected issues during the competition. The continuous cycles of creativity and testing helped us better understand how robots operate and how to resolve real-world technical problems.
Through the competition, I gained valuable insights, including programming skills, creativity, and the importance of team synergy. We spent significant time learning how to coordinate at every stage, from dividing tasks for the design process to testing, troubleshooting, and refining the robot. Notably, when faced with unforeseen errors during the competition, we worked together to find solutions and adapt the robot to perform optimally. Every success, no matter how small, brought me immense pride and excitement.”
The journey of conquering technology is never easy, but it has empowered our #HomeOfTheEagles to explore their potential and gain the confidence to overcome challenges and pursue their passions.
“Looking back on my journey from being a boy who despised robots to achieving success in Robotics, I realize that passion doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes, passion is sparked by curiosity, exploration, and unexpected experiences. Passion isn’t just about liking something – it’s about trying, persevering, and overcoming difficulties to achieve greater goals.
For me, Robotics is not only an intellectual pursuit but also a lesson in perseverance – about not giving up, daring to face fears, and pushing past my own limits. If I hadn’t changed my mindset that day, I might have missed out on this incredible and meaningful journey.”
Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Grade 8
“Participating in the VEX Robotics Competition has helped me realize that technology is not just theoretical but practical knowledge we can apply in real life. I understand that creating technological products like robots requires not only technical expertise but also patience, creativity, and teamwork among group members.”
Truong Le Huy, Grade 8
We hope that the students’ passion and dedication will be rewarded with outstanding achievements in upcoming competitions. May this burning passion continue to be nurtured and spread, empowering them to confidently conquer greater goals, turn dreams into reality, and become the best versions of themselves.
