This article was taken from my column at Technical.ly Philly: https://technical.ly/philly/2014/10/02/3-penn-freshmen-build-future-vision-pennapps-x/
“What if a piece of software could tell you what exactly was in front of you with one simple command?” was the pitch that won ThirdEye a spot in the top 10 at last month’s PennApps X.
ThirdEye is an image recognition system for the visually impaired that takes a picture using Google Glass, recognizes what it is and tells you about it through an earpiece or speaker.
The hackers behind the innovative Google Glass app were first-time hackathon participants: Ben Sandler, Joe Cappadona and Rajat Bhageria. They were also the only all-freshmen team to make it to the top 10.
With Cappadona programming since 8th grade, Sandler having interned at a couple of tech startups and Bhageria having build his own media startup, CaféMocha, which he describes as the SoundCloud for creative writers, these three computer science majors were all excitedly anticipating their first hackathon.
Forming the ThirdEye Team
Bhageria, Cappadona and Sandler weren’t initially part of the same team. However, a few hours before the competition started, Bhageria and Cappadona’s team members backed out, so they were looking for more team members. This led to them wandering around and running into Sandler who wanted to work on a hack for the Google Glass.
Remembering the struggles that his grandfather faced as a blind man, Cappadona was hit with an app idea they could work on — an app that would allow Google Glass to recognize whatever was in front of it.
“Blind people want to be independent. They don’t want others to think that they are physically inept because they lost their sight,” Cappadona said. “They’re still fully capable of most things. This really inspired our project.”
The team now had an idea, the only problem: they barely had experience building an Android app, let alone integrating it with Google Glass.
This is where the hackathon fun came in.
Read more here: https://technical.ly/philly/2014/10/02/3-penn-freshmen-build-future-vision-pennapps-x/
Paul Graham was the guest speaker for this week’s lecture
Not as many people showed up for this week’s viewing lecture for “CS183B: How to Start a Startup” but nonetheless, the discussion group proved to be really interesting and insightful as we not only discussed key points in the lecture but we also talked about problems we faced and how we could solve them. It was really interesting how we ended up talking about very diverse fields from machine learning to education to media and journalism to weather, wearables and smart fabric to networking and starting a startup in college. (You can jump straight to our discussion group’s points by scrolling down to the last part).
You can view resources for the class here: http://startupclass.samaltman.com/
My overall takeaway from today though was that there’s no set-way or formula to starting a startup. There are certain things that worked for some entrepreneurs that didn’t work for other entrepreneurs. At the end of the day, starting a startup is really just about having an idea, getting cofounders, building a product users love, getting feedback from users, committing your time to your startup then just LEARNING every step of the way.
Everything that you’ll be reading in this document are notes taken down from CS183 which is a Stanford course being taught by the President of YCombinator Sam Altman. Moreover, I will be injecting a few of my own insights and insights of other people from my discussion group.
The first UPenn class session was held at the First Round Capital
As an aspiring entrepreneur and avid journalist, I’ve decided to take notes, write about the experience and the different discussions points from this class and publish it to the public. I hope that people can find these notes and insights as a way to either learn more about the class and entrepreneurship (some people might not have enough time to watch the lecture) or as a way to start discussions about this growing startup culture.
I will be starting out all my posts with 4-6 key takeaways, the overall experience and then the full notes along with discussion points raised in my group.
The lectures for this course are being recorded and are posted on Youtube. You can find the lectures here: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxIJaCMEptJjxmmQgGFsnCg
You can read more about the reason behind the class here: http://www.newsweek.com/y-combinator-teach-stanford-class-available-online-271275
Interestingly, a lot of Universities from all over the world (even all the way back in the Philippines! Shout-out to Jaime Young who is leading the ASES Philippines discussion group for this class!) have decided to start discussion groups and turn it into an actual class where students discuss the content of what is taught afterwards. The University of Pennsylvania recently had its first class lecture video showing on September 25, 2014.
6 Key takeaways:
The Overall Experience
More than the lecture, which I could’ve just watched online in my dorm room, what I really enjoyed from the first session was the community participating in this class. Everyone was just so passionate about startups and entrepreneurship and was eager to learn more. Everyone was really looking deep into the ideas discussed and questioning whether one practice is better than the other. It was honestly really refreshing being in this environment, bouncing off ideas and opinions with one another and simply meeting new people with similar interests and new insights. Definitely can’t wait for the next session! Continue reading
Article taken from the Philippine Daily Inquirer about how my school, Xavier School has revolutionized the way we learn! http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/116111/we-are-generation-next
In Xavier’s School (XS) bid to mold its students into catalysts of social change, the school constantly tries to offer an innovative curriculum both inside and outside the classroom.
In keeping up with the 21st century technological boom, the school has, for the past three years, undergone several revolutionary changes like the One2One program, where students are required to bring either MacBooks or iPads to further enhance their learning experience.
Information supplement
With these gadgets, students are able to take their learning to the next level. When a foreign term or topic is discussed in class, students harness the power of the Internet to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. They also have quick access to Google, Wikis YouTube, and other websites that supplement information in class discussion.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, in which independent learning is pushed, was also introduced to third and fourth year high school students on an optional basis.
An influx of novel clubs like the Xavier School Next Lab was launched to help cater to the students’ learning interests.
Last Thursday marked the start of the third year of the XS Next Lab. This club is a venue for students to learn more about the arts, sciences, technology, and design. Students are encouraged to turn their dreams into reality in the XS Next Lab.
Vision
According Martin Gomez, moderator of XS Next Lab and a Xavier School alumnus who did research with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), “the vision of XS Next Lab is to enable students to become independent tech learners, to express themselves freely with computing (programming) and learn about electronics/hardware/robotics, so they may make things for the future.”
Bringing imagination to life
From learning how to create games, to making robots to assist in household chores, XS Next Lab inspires students to bring their imagination to life through technology.
Xaverians are very enthusiastic about technology and learning the ins and outs of computer programming. As I stepped into the first Next Lab club meeting for this school year, I was surprised at the number of students who were so keen on learning how to build things and programs.
In fact, I found out later that 100 students had to be turned down to limit the club membership to a more manageable 50.
Bowled over
As I got to talk to my fellow members, I was bowled over by an eighth grader who was already creating his own computer game. I also got a chance to chat with a ninth grader who was working on building his own computer. How these kids are able to do these things is beyond me.
When I was 12, I wouldn’t even dare tinker with my gadgets, let alone open them up like what another ninth grader said he routinely does.
To cap off the first club meeting for this school year, our moderator also invited a company called Big Pix Graphics to demonstrate how a 3D printer works. We were all amazed at what the 3D printer could do. From making prototypes to creating life-sized cars, 3D printing is something that will definitely change the way we live.
Endless possibilities
The moment 3D printers are further developed and mass marketed, the possibilities will be endless, so you better watch out or you won’t know what hit you!
We truly live in the technology age, and I’m glad that Xavier School isn’t getting left behind and is even at the forefront of this revolution. With all these innovations and opportunities, along with an enthusiastic bunch of students, I can only imagine greater things ahead.
During my conversation with XS Next Lab President and high school junior King Alandy Dy, he talked about how he wants to bring all the innovative concepts and ideas of students to life through XS Next Lab.
Aside from that, he also hopes that students will join technology and programming competitions and bring pride to Xavier School through XS Next Lab.
Through the XS Next Lab, Xavier School is taking the right steps in persuading their students to think out of the box. And as an XS Next Lab member myself, I am really fortunate to witness the magic right before my very eyes in my final year at Xavier!
Yesterday marked the first time I ever joined a debate tournament. Prior to yesterday, I didn’t really know what to expect from an actual debate tournament. Sure, I’ve been training with the team for a few weeks now but competing in an actual debate tournament was an entirely different experience.
My First Debate Tournament, Idea Lite in St. Paul College, Pasig!
As I entered the convening hall, I was surprised to see how many participants there were coming from several different schools. I couldn’t believe that this was supposedly just a minor tournament yet there were so many participants already. Everyone was either reading their books, writing down their notes or talking with their teammates.
I have to admit, I was a bit culture shocked at the start. I was really happy when the room assignments and the motion for the first round was announced. I honestly just wanted to start my first debate and get the first time jitters out.
My first debate which was THBT prisoners should be allowed to vote, went pretty well. The thrill and excitement I felt during this debate was just so amazing.
However, me and my partner were screwed over during the second round where the adjudicator, in my honest opinion was very very biased. We ended up with zero points during that round which significantly destroyed our chances of breaking.
I felt really bad after that round and didn’t even want to do the last round anymore. I couldn’t believe how we were given a zero for that debate when I we were able to present sound arguments and kill the points of the other side. The worse thing is that when we asked the adjudicator for comments after the round, all the things she said that we didn’t do were things that we did do. (by the way, the motion for this round was THBT the US should use military force in Syria)
I was really annoyed and at the same time, devastated. It really hurt deep inside for I’m a very competitive person and I really wanted to break during my first tournament. She didn’t even give us 1 point.
There was still one more round for preliminaries and I honestly didn’t want to go through it anymore because of what happened in the second round but I still did for pride. The final round’s motion was THW stop the funding of all space exploration programs. During this round, I was able to deliver my best speech and ended up with first but it didn’t really matter anymore since we got a zero during the second round.
Countless of Lessons Learned
At the end of the day, even if we didn’t break to the next rounds, I really learned a lot from this first debate tournament of mine. Things won’t always go our way but in everything we go through, there is always something to learn.
There are somethings we just can’t control. There will be times when we give our best yet it’s not enough. There will be people who are biased but we shouldn’t allow this to make or break us. Looking at it form the picture, it really is up to us what we make out of the different challenges and shortcomings we have in life.
Humbling Experience
To be fair though, thinking about it now, one day after the tournament, I could have done so much better. I am obviously still a beginner and I still have so much to learn.
It was such a humbling experience that right now, I feel really motivated to do better during my next tournament. There are so many talented debaters out there and if I want to be just as good or even better, I have to put in the work. Right now, I still have a long way to go but like they say, you have to start somewhere.
Mix of Emotions
After going through my first debate tournament, I can honestly say that debate is something I really enjoy. The mix of emotions you get during the entire duration of the debate tournament is simply amazing. One moment, you feel so scared, the next, you feel so confident. One moment, you feel so happy, the next you feel so devastated. Yet in the end, no matter the result, you always learn something after every debate!
The thrill you get before and after every round is priceless. After everything that happened during my first debate tournament, I’m really glad that I joined the debate team.
Overall, the experience was one like no other and I can’t wait for the next tournament I join! This is definitely just the start of greater things to come!
With my partner in crime! We may not have gotten the results we wanted, but we definitely learned a lot! It was really fun teaming up with you Jason! 😀
-DOitChoco
In preparation for the 25 minute essay in the writing part of the SAT, I’ve really been researching a lot and reading up on a myriad of topics ranging from leaders who bravely fought for a cause to inventors who through their inventions, created a lasting impact in the world . I’m really trying to be more cultured, knowledgeable and aware so that I may be ready for any prompt or topic the test gives.
It’s really astonishing though how I’m really enjoying learning more about our history, the prominent figures who changed society and the significant events that forever altered our world. I used to find history really mundane and languid but recently, I’ve really learned how to appreciate it and I feel a lot more humane to know these things.
I guess my perspective and approach to history has really changed. Instead of looking at all these as mere facts that I’d need to get an A+ in a test, I’ve learned how to see history as a bridge that will help me learn more about not only myself but about the world. It also helps that reading about these things and then sharing what I learned to others make me sound a bit smarter.
Honestly, one can’t help but be amazed at what several people were able to do and how they were able to make a lasting difference. Men like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and a lot more fought for what they believed in and sought for equality. It’s truly inspiring reading about their beliefs and what pushed them to make a stand.
Moving away from politics and equality, I’ve also learned so much about inventions, technology and innovation by reading about the lives of Thomas Edison, Leonardo Da Vinci, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and the other prominent inventors of both the past and the present. Instead of just taking note of their achievements, I’ve learned how to look beyond that and more importantly, analyze and see how they came up with innovative ideas and what traits enabled them to reach new heights. 
I’ve definitely learned so much already the last two days, and it’s truly amazing how technology allows us to learn about a broad range of topics in such a short amount of time. Knowledge truly is power and with everything I’ve learned the past few days, I’ll hopefully be ready with a couple of examples for the essay no matter what prompt or topic may come out!
Looking ahead though, I plan to continue reading more about history and I definitely think everyone should be more knowledgeable about the past for it truly does have a profuse amount of lessons that we can learn and apply to our present lives!
To end, I’d like to share a quote from Thomas Edison “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.”
No matter how mentally draining, tedious and arduous preparing for the SAT may be, I’ve found a way to enjoy the process and it has definitely been a lot more fun!
I’ve learned so much already from preparing for the SAT not only about math, reading, writing but most importantly, I’ve learned more about the world and myself! Our perspective, outlook and attitude towards life really does make a difference! Life truly is what you make it!
-DOitChoco
Chatting with friends on Facebook, texting with friends and even conversing on twitter has become prosaic, banal and commonplace especially nowadays where almost every person has a smartphone. Online communication has become a phenomenon and has alleviated a lot of our communication problems.
Communicating with a long lost relative or a friend who lives on the other side of the world has never been this easy. However, the advent and rise of these technologies has hampered and devalued real life communication. We become so engrossed in the online world that we forget about real life.
Don’t get me wrong, social networking sites are ingenious and phenomenal inventions that help us keep in touch with the rest of the world 24/7, but we must not forget about real life and the art of conversing face to face. 
It’s much easier to hide what one is feeling when behind a screen but when face to face, the expressions seen in one’s face is something that’s fresh; something that’s sincere; something that’s real! Nothing will beat seeing the genuine smile of your friend who has waited days, weeks, or perhaps years just to see you. Nothing will beat seeing your friends laugh whole heartedly at your embarrassing moments instead of the usual “LOL” or “:))” sign had you told them that story through Facebook chat.
We are social beings and authentic happiness comes to us when we are around real people. So what are you waiting for? Give your long time best friend whom you have been chatting with but haven’t seen for ages an invitation to your favorite hang-out place and be refreshed by the difference it makes!
-DOitChoco
Art and science may seem like two completely different things but looking closer, they actually complement each other. Can you imagine a world without art or science? What kind of world would that be? Today, there are a countless number of things that would not be possible without the collaboration of art and science.
Based on their common description, art and science are worlds apart. Art leans more towards the creative side, while science deals more with facts. Although they are different put them together and you have your everyday favorites. From modern day technology and high tech gadgets to your favorite novel or movie, art and science played a part in making all these possible.
A more specific example would be the world wide phenomenon known as Harry Potter. You would think that Harry Potter was a novel based solely on the imagination of J.K. Rowling, but contrary to popular belief, J.K. Rowling got help from history and science. In fact, several of the characters, locations, spells and even parts of the plot were based on scientific and historical facts. Science, without a doubt, played a part in the creation of the hit, soon to be classic, but at the same time, the creativity and artistic talents of J.K. Rowling is not to be forgotten for she still has one of the most creative minds out there and the world wide fame of the Harry Potter series is a testament to that.
Another example would be in the field of technology, the advent of smartphones. Smartphones have risen and almost every person tinkers with one each and everyday. Its myriad of functions and applications make it a very efficient and handy tool in our everyday lives. Advancements in computer science is what led to the creation of these types of gadgets but we cant disregard the part art played in the rise of smartphones. The sleek and elegant design of smartphones make them easy to carry around and handle. Aside from this, the interface and design of the applications and the phone itself should be credited to the creative designers and artists.
Truly, art and science go hand-in-hand in making our world a better place to live in. From helping us become more productive through advancements in technology to entertaining us and introducing us to places like Hogwarts.
-DOitChoco
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/weekly-writing-challenge-mind-the-gap-2/
The rise in ebooks during the past few years has brought about its fair share of supporters and at the same time critics. Technology has truly revolutionized the way we live and in more ways than one, has made life a lot more convenient. Having said, ebook’s make it very easy to store and collect different books and at the same time saves paper. Although ebooks seem so much more better and stomps all over the traditional paperback, in my opinion, can still pack a punch and should not be forgotten.
Honestly speaking, nothing beats that feeling of buying a brand new book, taking it out of its plastic, laying in your bed and flipping through the first few pages. For me, that feeling will never ever get old. To be frank, I’ve actually never been a fan of reading books. It was only during the start of high school that I gained an appreciation for reading books of all kinds, and
I don’t regret one bit that I’ve started exploring and reading all types of books. I’m actually proud to say that I can be considered a book worm and I’m actually one of the few high school students in our school who actually claimed his library card and uses it.
There is nothing wrong with ebooks for they still have the same content as paperbacks and are actually very convenient, but what makes paperbacks so special is that it represents a different time and age. These days, almost everything c
an be done with laptops, computers, iPhones, iPads, etc. Almost every second, minute and hour of our lives we are exposed to these radio active materials. At times, we just need to take a break and grabbing the ol’ classic paperback may just be the best way to relax those eyes from all the radiation.
There was a time in my life where I had a hard time falling asleep and I’d just being lying there all night with such an uneasy feeling. A bit of googling here and there, and I found out that it was because of all the radiation I was exposed to before going to bed. Aside from that, another reason was that my mind was still very active from all the past activities. In order to counter this, I developed a routine of reading a few pages to a chapter of a book almost every night before going to bed. It has really helped me have a more peaceful sleep and I really suggest you try it out yourself. Aside from it helping you have a beauty sleep, you also gain all sorts of knowledge depending on the book you read. It could range from fiction novels, biographies, self-help or even sports books.
Another favorite time of mine to read paperbacks is after I’ve spent quite a time in front of my laptop. You know that very drained feeling usually accompanied by a heavy head after long hours spent in front of a laptop either watching videos for leisure or finishing up several projects. You need to unload and take a breather once in a while and what better way to do it than by grabbing a paperback.
In those two scenarios I’ve just mentioned, it would be counter productive to use an ebook for it would defeat the purpose of a reading book completely. Those are only a few but very powerful points as to why I think that one must never forget paperbacks and why they should still be appreciated.
-DOitChoco
Finding the SILVER LINING in every step of the Journey...... :) 