My name is Maka Carpio, and I had the honour of representing NAIS Manila as a delegate at the MIT Festival 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
DISCOVERING THE MIT FESTIVAL
As an aspiring MIT student and long-time admirer of the institution, it felt surreal when I first learned about this opportunity in March. It offered a learning experience unlike any other—one that would satisfy so many curiosities of mine in an environment filled with like-minded teenagers in my year level. I immediately knew this might be one of my last chances in high school to take part in something this extraordinary. I spent a long time dwelling on the prompt I was given and how I would properly convey all my ideas and enthusiasm into a concise ninety-second to three-minute video, especially with the broad prompt of "If I were an innovator at MIT, I would…". After much deliberation, I chose to talk about one of my greatest passions—electricity accessibility and energy transmission—while tying it to MIT’s rich history in this field.
THE MOMENT I WAS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT NAISM
I vividly remember the moment I found out I had been selected. After months of anxious waiting and preparing myself for the possibility of rejection, the news came during my IGCSE exam season. I was studying in the library when my science teacher approached me to share the good news: I had been chosen as one of the few delegates among candidates from all the Nord Anglia schools! My first text went to my parents, quickly followed by messages to my science teachers, thanking them for their support. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance to pursue this unbelievable opportunity.
ARRIVING IN BOSTON AND MEETING THE DELEGATES
When October arrived, I could hardly contain my excitement by the time I landed in America, though I was admittedly nervous about meeting the other participants. To ease my nerves, I spent the first half of the afternoon helping the trip staff and coordinators with errands, keeping myself busy until my travel group arrived. Half an hour later, I found out that my group had reached the hotel, and I never expected that it would be so easy and fun to bond with people who share my interests and motivations!
LEARNING AND EXPLORING AT MIT
The week was packed with events, tours, and workshops that I will treasure forever. I explored scientific fields I hadn’t even known existed, deepened my knowledge of the areas I hope to pursue after high school, and even discovered a new passion I hadn’t anticipated. The lectures, presented by MIT PhD students, were incredibly inspiring, and the friendships I made were just as incredible. My highlight of the week was Project Day, where my team and I collaborated to assemble and design a high-definition camera capsule that was taken to Alaska a few days later to capture 3D images of the auroras.
The MIT Festival was an unforgettable experience that provided me with invaluable insights, lasting friendships, and cherished memories. Every activity, thoughtfully curated by the organizers, deepened my passion for STEAM and reaffirmed my aspirations. I left Boston more inspired than ever, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities in my journey toward innovation and discovery. I am immensely grateful that NAISM, MIT, and Nord Anglia made this event possible for me and the other candidates who had the privilege to learn and grow so much from the amazing week they organized for us. To all the other students brimming with ambition, curiosity, and innovative ideas, I hope my journey inspires you to follow opportunities that challenge and excite you, too!
Written by:
Maka Carpio
Year 12, NAIS Manila
