From the moment I first saw the word “Insight” on my fansite homepage, my brain saw the world in a different light. Everything felt like a star in a great intricate constellation. Of course, the network isn’t without fault and the broader I opened my views and delved further into each star, I saw broken links and malicious connections. I was determined to integrate myself in those systems, absorbing the depths of its fault, and use data to tackle them
Competition - IntelliGlow
The journey to light the bulb
We originally worked on a different idea. We worked on a system which analyzes exhaust fumes components and volume to deduce the vehicle’s conditions. It also gauges trip information (duration, fuel consumption, suitability), suggesting different routes based on users’ preferences and reminds maintenance needs. Before the final idea was conceived, we faced numerous challenges: just 3 weeks before the deadline, we found out it was erroneous from the start due to a misunderstanding of sensor usage. At that time, we were on the horn of a dilemma, whether to rehaul the whole system, or to start from scratch with a new direction. Time was of the essence.
Within a set of 3 days, I and my teammates began exploring new ideas and agreed upon a new direction on the second day. Aware of how behind we were, we put faith in our prior experience working with each other. We swiftly discussed details, assigning tasks and piecing each person’s work together was speedy. Maybe everyone was trying their best to produce the best product in the short timespan.
How we shone the bulb
“Why can the fans be controlled individually, but not the lights?”
This thought entered our minds everytime we were in a discussion during our ideas exploration, huddling in one corner of the classroom. As the lighting system in our classroom turned all bulbs on and off together, the lights outside our corner felt wasteful.
We all desired to address this problem, especially considering the pressing matter at the time: Vietnam’s electricity shortage. So, we set out to devise an algorithm that enables lighting systems to automatically adjust individual bulbs’ illumination to minimize electricity consumption. Optical health was also our top concern, so we defaulted the system to a healthy brightness level. Taking account of each users’ unique needs and preferences, we provide features like costume modes, different colors or shedding light on non-human objects.
Transcendance - Website: Guiding the Deaf in Exploring the Art
Beyond the sounds
I still remembered the first time I went to a live dance competition, I felt the ground shake and a pounding in my heart. My first curiosity of how different people experience music suddenly came across when I saw a video of a sign language concert interpreter translating not just the lyrics but putting her own extra flair in. She used her whole body and facial expressions to convey the vibe, the pitch and the melody. Felt music in a new way, with my whole body.
It was the core principle of dance. Sign language dance spurred me to revise my own perspective on dance.
An authentic language
Although I wasn’t sure if I could take on such a distinctive means of communication, especially because of the lack of available sources and facilities. I decided to sign up for a sign – language trial lesson first, not knowing what to expect because of no prior exposure to the language. I fell in love from the get go. To my astonishment, I was instantly captivated by the teacher’s intricate gestures and expressive face, who’s signed conversation with her teaching assistant made me find it mesmerizing. Despite my experience with conveying a story through dance, the speedy fingers structuring illustrations combined with impactful facial features exclusive to sign language introduced me to an in-depth, authentic means of non-verbal communication. Each lesson lasted 2 hours, yet we didn’t leave until double the period had passed. When learning about aspects of living without sounds, my friends and I were excited to retell how they could communicate through glass doors where sounds couldn’t penetrate or how they use lights to get attention.
To hear without sound
I knew trying to teach dance without music would be difficult but there were even more obstacles than I anticipated. It wasn’t just feeling the tempo and music vibe but also the strength put into each arm swings or foot kick. Expressing the amount of force needed for each move was especially challenging. Fortunately, it was the students who helped me overcome the barrier through her patience and bright attitude.
I still remember the first time coming to Hanoi Deaf Community and Deaf-Owned Laundry where students and employees there are all hearing-impaired. This opportunity to empower them to explore the world of dance was a memorable time of my youth. I spent most of my freetime preparing for every lesson, every video aiming to teach them how to feel the beat through my body language. When seeing their facial expression following my move, I acknowledge my capability to bridge the communication gap by “translating” performances into sign language.
I decided to create a series of dancing tutorial nine videos, carefully breaking down each dance move and explaining it step by step. I wanted to ensure that the tutorials were accessible and easy to follow, allowing the deaf individuals to learn and enjoy the art of dance. Then I sent the videos to a local laundry shop that employed deaf individuals. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to share my knowledge and connect with the deaf community on a personal level. Teaching the deaf individuals to dance was a transformative experience. I quickly realized that the language barrier posed a unique challenge. While it took me only 30 seconds to learn the movements and 17 minutes to learn the corresponding sign language, it took me three hours to effectively communicate and teach the dance steps to the deaf individuals, as I could only rely on sign language.
Research “Designing a Language Recognition System for Deaf Through Hand Gestures Using MediaPipe and LSTM”
It was the most tiring time, studying a myriad of materials. From the early morning hours until late at night, I immersed myself in the world of algorithms and matrices. The concepts were new to me, and at times, I felt overwhelmed. But amidst the exhaustion, there was an undeniable excitement in my mind.
Late into the night, I found myself attending online lessons, struggling to keep my eyes open. Yet, my mind couldn’t be more thrilled by the knowledge I was acquiring. The intricacies of algorithms fascinated me, and I marveled at how much could be achieved through their implementation.
In the midst of this intense learning journey, I discovered a sense of camaraderie among the students in the lab. We formed a tight-knit community, supporting and encouraging each other through the challenges. Together, we navigated the complexities of the subject, sharing our insights and discoveries. The bond we forged in those late-night study sessions became a source of strength and motivation.
As exhausting as it was, this period of intense study opened my eyes to the wonders of the subject. It taught me the value of perseverance and the joy of learning. And through the friendships I formed, I realized that the journey is always better when shared with others who share the same passion.
Information Technology Intern, Vietnam Public Joint Stock Commercial Bank (PVCombank)
As I stepped into the world of work, I was met with a new perception of what a “workplace” truly entailed. It was both similar and different from what I had seen in movies or imagined in my mind.
What struck me the most was the professional system that governed the workplace. Each project was carefully handled, ensuring that there was no rush or haphazard approach like the student projects I was accustomed to. There were distinct phases and departments, each playing a crucial role in the overall success of the project.
As I observed the different departments, I couldn’t help but notice the unique vibes that emanated from each one. The project management department exuded a sense of maturity and collectedness. They were focused and methodical, ensuring that every aspect of the project was planned and executed. On the other hand, the PR department was a stark contrast. It was a vibrant and lively space, filled with jokes and laughter. The team members were exuberant, constantly brainstorming creative ideas to promote the project and engage with the audience.This stark difference in vibes across departments fascinated me. It highlighted the diverse nature of work and how different roles and responsibilities can shape the atmosphere within a workplace. It also made me appreciate the importance of collaboration and the value of having a variety of perspectives and personalities in a team.