How I Grew With Technology

Introduction

I'm Ayaan Hashmi, a tech enthusiast with a deep-seated passion for programming and innovation. My journey in technology began in the midst of the global pandemic, a period that, while challenging, became the catalyst for my tech exploration.

The Beginning

The lockdown during the pandemic provided a unique environment for self-discovery. In Class 8, confined to home and participating in online classes, I found myself increasingly intrigued by the mechanisms behind technology. My curiosity led me to delve into how machines and software work. I began exploring various app builders like MIT App Inventor and Thunkable, trying to create simple software. Seeing my seniors work on their projects inspired me to explore coding further.

Diving Deeper into Programming

By the end of Class VIII, I embarked on my programming journey. My first step was learning HTML and CSS in depth. While I had basic knowledge from school, I pursued a professional understanding, becoming proficient in these languages over time.. This foundation set the stage for more advanced learning.
When Class 9 started, the world was adjusting to the post-lockdown reality. The rise of AI and the popularity of Python dominated the tech landscape. Python became part of our school curriculum, and I quickly embraced it. I found Python to be a revelation. Its simplicity, versatility, extensive libraries, and ease of debugging made it an incredible tool. I transitioned from HTML and CSS to Python, dedicating myself to learning it extensively.

Achievements and Recognition

My dedication paid off in July 2022 when I proposed an innovative idea for the Inspire Manak Awards. My project, a driving automation system with alcohol detection, was selected for the national exhibition. This achievement highlighted my growing skills, especially in C++, which led to further recognition., which set me apart from my peers.
Class 10 became a defining period in my coding journey. I participated in 25 competitions, securing positions in 16 of them. These included online hackathons, interschool tech fests, and prestigious events like the Adobe Ai-Thon. My standout achievement was participating in the ICODE Global Hackathon, where I consistently performed at an excellent level across all rounds. I progressed through the qualifiers, zonal finals, and national finals, eventually competing in the international event held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Out of 3 million participants, I secured an impressive rank of 156, and among 1100 global finalists, this was a remarkable accomplishment.
In the same year, I participated in a drone workshop organised by Vigyantram in collaboration with IIT Bombay. As a result of my performance, I was invited to represent my school in the national tournament at IIT Bombay. However, I made the decision to prioritize my Class X board exams and chose not to take up the opportunity.

Recent Developments

After completing my CBSE Class X board exams, I entered Class XI. I received recognition for my academic performance with a scholar badge and honors for my contributions in computing. As a result of my consistent performance and skills, I was appointed as the President of PARADIGM, the official tech club at my school.

Technology has been a driving force in my life, shaping my journey and achievements. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities it has provided and look forward to continuing this path of discovery and innovation.