CRC

ISF has taught me many things, but I’ve learned the most from my time in the ISF Makerspace. I’ve spent more hours there than in any classroom or subject, and it has become my second home, a home of creativity and innovation.

In Makerspace, I mastered 3D printing, progressing from crafting simple game pieces in Grade 6 to designing a manta-ray-shaped underwater robot by Grade 10. Using CAD software like Fusion360 and Blender, I learned to seamlessly transform imagination into reality. My deepest gratitude goes to Mr. Jackie (former ISF Makerspace teacher), who introduced me to 3D printing and nurtured the problem-solving engineering mindset I carry today. I wish he could see how far I’ve come since the first time I stepped in Makerspace (there were only three printers at the time and we could only print 2 pieces a day, no more than 20 grams).

I also became proficient with the laser cutter, starting with a simple and childish cardboard tank model and eventually creating an intricate flat-pack turtle with moving limbs for my MYP Design portfolio. With over 70 components, it was one of the most complex flat-pack designs that year. Thank you, Mr. Alzate, for always encouraging me to challenge myself and strive for excellence.

Waterjet manufacturing added another dimension to my skills. From accidentally flooding the Makerspace and leaking water into the library, I advanced to cutting aluminum push-rods for my VTOL model plane, later published in Bauhinia X. Special thanks to Mr. O’Neill for his patient guidance throughout this journey.

Most importantly, I learned teamwork. Collaborating with Harry and Roger, we designed an innovative trebuchet for Grade 9 MFE, it was often imitated but never surpassed. Again with Harry, our 3D-printed clock achieved unmatched precision that remains unparalleled to this day. Combining all the skills I honed in Makerspace, with Seok and Harry, our AC generator peaked at over 9 volts. Heartfelt thanks to Mr. George and all the physics and math teachers whose support helped shape me into the capable problem-solver I am today. (Ms Goulbourne x2, Mr Wei, Mr Brown, Mr Flanagan)

My most significant involvement in Makerspace was undoubtedly the Recycle Royale smart bin project. Working with talented classmates across diverse disciplines felt like leading a team of professionals. Though we didn’t achieve our desired outcome, developing four prototypes taught me invaluable leadership lessons and allowed me to reflect on my own shortcomings. Thank you, Ms. Ibarra, Dr. Oser, and Ms. Emily Dixon, for your unwavering support throughout the years.

I entered ISF as a maker, and now I leave to pursue a future as an engineer, designer, researcher, and innovator—but at my core, I remain a maker.

I am forever grateful for everything I’ve learned here. Thank you, Makerspace. Thank you, ISF.

(Please switch to the Chinese version of this website to read the next part of my message)