Before I speak of the bad, of which there was quite a lot, I should mention a significant portion of the challenge was about learning. I truthfully have fond memories of the planning and creation of the device. Besides those words being incredibly cliché, the reader (hello Ms. Snyder, Ms. Shore, Mr. Eckhart) almost certainly believes that I did not mean what I wrote, due to the results of the challenge. I assure you I meant every word.

Finally, the bad. Subgroups responsible for the creation of the device itself and the research document were improperly sized. The research document (mainly the later sections) could only be completed as fast as the device was built and tested. Due to the small size of the build subgroup, those working on the research document were often left with little to do. This squandered time meant there was less time for testing, and by the time that phase was reached, it was too late to make any large adjustments to the design. Furthermore, I believe because of the nature of high school students what three can do in one week, twelve can do in one month.

Generally, people ask what advice you would give to your past self. The opposite is required: I must advise my future self. For him I have no advice, as what do I know now that I know he will not know then?