If plot twists had frequent flyer miles, 2024 would have been my first-class upgrade. This year was a whirlwind of challenges, milestones, and unforgettable connections—a year that reminded me why I love the journey as much as the destination.
From diving headfirst into projects that kept my brain doing cartwheels, to hosting events that inspired a whole community, this year was a mix of late nights, belly laughs, and moments that made me stop and just feel grateful.
Academic Adventures
This year’s academic lineup was filled with challenges that sharpened my understanding and kept me engaged, three of which were project-based:
Personnel Economics: My project explored the effects of social breaks on team productivity, offering insights into the dynamics of collaboration within startups. Analyzing these interactions underscored the importance of well-structured downtime for fostering teamwork and innovation. [Team: Alli Ajagbe, Priyanshu Singhal, Tanya Sravan, Tushar Goyal, Udhav Shankar]
Cognique; Human Tech Interaction: This study examined how various prompting strategies influence coding tasks and their impact on cognitive load. It was an enlightening experience that highlighted the delicate interplay between clarity, machine understanding, and human mental effort.
[Team: Aditya Tyagi, Alli Ajagbe, Khushi Goel]MacroStock; Financial Econometrics: Investigating how macroeconomic indicators influence S&P Index performance deepened my appreciation for the complexities of financial systems. [Team: Alli Ajagbe, Anushka Desai, Shaurya Sighadia, Suhani Jain]
DesignIT Africa: 6 Years of Impact
It’s been six years since my team and I launched DesignIT Africa, and this year marked significant milestones: This year alone, we impacted over 384 people directly and reached 81,099 young minds through our curated social media feed, a testament to the growing reach and influence of our mission. This brings the total number of young people directly impacted via our programs to 2,796, supported by the dedication of our 16 active volunteers. We had two major events this year.
Unveiling Your Tech Talent: This initiative aimed at empowering young tech enthusiasts saw an impressive turnout of 1,235 attendees, with 324 joining live and 911 accessing the recording. For 2 hours and 5 minutes, we celebrated talent and shared actionable strategies for gaining visibility in the tech industry.
2-Day Workshop on Machine Learning and Product Design: Hosting a hands-on workshop for young minds exploring algorithms and design principles was a testament to our mission of equipping the next generation with tools for success. Together, both workshops brought in around 60 participants, each eager to dive deep into the world of machine learning and product design. Combined, the sessions lasted for about 5 hours, making for an intensive yet rewarding experience for everyone involved.
To my incredible team, your passion, commitment, and unwavering support have been the heartbeat of this journey. None of this would have been possible without you, and I’m endlessly grateful for each of you. [Team: Ademola Obakayode (Royalty), Ademola Thompson (Superhero), Aishat Akinola (Bismal), Alli Ajagbe, Fatimah Ismaila (Xahra), Usman Akinyemi (UniqueUsman)].
Professional Growth
The summer brought an enriching experience in New York City during my internship at Founder Forward. The professional challenges I tackled—like restructuring databases and building dashboards—were complemented by the vibrant energy of the city.
What made it even more special were the incredible people, old friends, I met. A heartfelt shoutout to Wambui, Kevin, Damola, Temi, Maiga, Fatima, Fred, Safae, Hamza, Obed, and Eta. The vibes shared and the memories recounted turned a great experience into an unforgettable one.
The Caseify competition was another highlight, pushing me to innovate and think critically under time constraints. It was a fulfilling opportunity to put my skills to the test in a dynamic setting. [Team: Alli Ajagbe, Vaishnavi Rathi, Vikas Kumar]
Personal Highlights
Amid the academic and professional whirlwind, I found time to reconnect with nature and friends:
Solan Trek: This adventure with Vaishnavi, Khushi, Nandan, Samyucktha, Vikas, Aditya, and Maanal was a refreshing break, filled with camaraderie and stunning landscapes that recharged my spirit.
Kasauli: Exploring the serene beauty of the mountains in Kasauli with Vaishnavi, Nandan, Aditya, Vikas, Samyucktha, Ayush, Raghav, and Aman was a reminder of the joy found in simple moments of connection and reflection.
Eklavya: Participating (and winning) in the intercollege sports fest hosted by my university also served as a reward to my love for football.
Wrapping Up 2024
Reflecting on 2024 fills me with immense gratitude for the opportunities, experiences, and people that shaped this year. From academic milestones to personal adventures, it has been a journey of growth and learning. As I step into 2025, I carry forward the lessons and memories, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Here’s to another year of discovery and impact.
