BUILD freshmen at Another Course to College in Brighton took part in an in-class Design Challenge this past week. Students were asked to create a soda-can holder out of everyday household items and to pitch it to the rest of the class, a useful lesson both in innovation and marketing. The class’ teacher, Mr. Mee, directed the group in a professional manner, telling the students that he aimed to treat them no different than a room full of adults. The students did their best to fill this expectation when, upon entering the room, they took the time to shake hands with each visiting BUILD staff member. During the student presentations, Mr. Mee periodically asked for feedback from the class on what each team did well. One group was able to acknowledge their design flaws, stating that “our team messed up, but we messed up together.” The team’s ability to take the blame as a group rather than placing it on any one person was incredibly mature, and was recognized by the teacher when the team was awarded BUILD Bucks for their responsible attitude.
One member of the group named Alexandra spoke later about her excitement for what the upcoming years will hold. A freshman whose favorite class is an English College Honors course, she was most thrilled about the opportunity to create. “I’m not good at building stuff, but can practice here. I will be able to use my skills in the long run.” Most teenagers aren’t capable of having such mature insight into their own future needs, but these students clearly know that BUILD will set them up for success.
Also last week was an event at the Microsoft Store in the Prudential Center. BUILD Boston’s Regional Executive Director Ayele Shakur spoke to staff members from local nonprofit Building Impact, whose mission is to deliver community involvement programs to buildings where people work and live. After showing an inspirational video with testimonials from BUILD’s graduates, Ayele shared information about BUILD programming as well as ways to get involved. Attendees were even given the opportunity to check out some of the real products that Boston’s students have invented over the past year.
Don’t forget to buy tickets to our annual fundraiser, BUILDFest, which takes place on October 26th from 6-10 PM. E2 sophomore business teams have been working extremely hard over the past few weeks to be able to sell their items at this event. With dinner catered from Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, the evening will be spectacular for students, mentors, and attendees alike.
