11B鍾承恩
身為一名專攻機械工程的學生，參加 iGEM 比賽對我來說可以說是一次偶然的契機。當初面試加入隊伍時，我只是抱著「試試看」的心態，甚至對比賽的內容毫無了解。沒想到，iGEM 竟成了少數能點燃我熱情的事物。在團隊中，無論是大小事，我都盡可能學習並積極參與。從行銷方面的採訪、商品設計、影片剪輯，到工程方面的實驗進行與程式設計，再到最終的 iGEM 報告和評審回覆，我都全力投入其中。
其實剛加入隊伍時，我習慣按照自己的步調處理事物，不願因為同伴而拖慢腳步，也不輕易妥協於那些在我眼中似乎「無關緊要」的事情。然而，隨著時間的推移，我逐漸發現，團隊所需要的，並不僅是壓力來推動每個人前進，更多時候，還需要的是彼此的支持與協助來共同帶動前行。在 iGEM 這樣長達一年的比賽中，一個人無法走到終點，而這時你身旁的夥伴便將成為你前進的關鍵。
當經過了整整一年的努力，我終於來到巴黎的決賽現場，看見來自世界各地的高中生與大學隊伍所展示的作品，心中不禁湧起一股震撼。這份震撼，並非源自於那些超出你我理解範疇的學術突破，而是來自於看見世界各地，與我們一樣的夥伴，他們也在以無盡的想像力與創造力，努力改變著這個世界。
正如我的學長陳俊宇曾說過：「合成生物學和其他科學之所以如此吸引人，是因為它是一種『希望』。」我認為，iGEM成功地將這樣的「希望」帶給了我們這群高中生，而我也無比的感激能藉由這次比賽將這份希望帶給更多的人。
12C 陳俊宇
2024是我第二年參加iGEM，更多的在鑽研實驗和技術，更多的在了解iGEM背後的系統和價值觀，更多是的輔助學弟妹而非「親力親為」。正因如次，在這一年以來，有了與過去很不一樣的視角和體驗。
延續了去年的主題，能夠看到過去的心血用更創新的方式去呈現發展，無疑是一件相當感動和熱血的事。從實驗規劃到最後的收尾實驗與整理，我更深刻地體驗到生物科技的淺力，看到了很多在未來學術與生涯規劃中的可能性，今年以生物傳感器biosensor作為項目重點，讓我能夠一覽學界近年來的趨勢。
在iGEM的會場中，創意只是入場卷，真正能打動這個世界的是那些在充分了解了學術挑戰後，帶著創意與不懈的努力創造出的解決方案。更重要的是，這是一個嚴謹且科學的過程，不斷地考驗著我們對於細節與方法的敏銳度，語句措辭、實驗邏輯，及數據呈現，每一個細節都反應出我們的學術能力以及對整個項目的了解。設計和完成一組合成生物學實驗已經是一件很有挑戰性的事，在一年中達到目標，同時將成果呈現出來確實是一項不可能的任務，但這就是iGEM，正因如此我有機會在高中階段就了解到我需要精進的實力。
期許學弟妹在未來，能夠帶著更扎實的學術實力踏上這個舞台，靠著強勁的學術基礎嘗試實現創意。
10A 連詠樂
Although I have competed in numerous competitions the one that I will forever credit as my highest accomplishment is iGEM, a synthetic biology competition. Personally, enduring the process leading up to the competition was the most exhausting yet rewarding process. To elaborate, after successfully passing the application process, a team of around 14 students was formed.
We had classes for hours each week as well as online meetings every Saturday night for an entire year. Whether it was online lessons, working together on a document, or even discussing the week’s progress, having teammates with a multitude of strengths allowed me to learn how to share a burden. In other words, the more we learned to rely on each other instead of trying to figure things out on our own, we also developed quite a deep bond. From previously being completely strangers to finding genuine friends, was one of the highlights.
Additionally, learning to show up consistently no matter the circumstance assisted in cultivating my sense of responsibility. A team of students with various backgrounds had its ups and downs. Through this experience, I had to learn to juggle my school work along with the added load of this competition. The academic input required for this competition, in some aspects, surpasses even college-level work. Hence, our team had to work with various colleges such as with the head of NTU’s biomedical engineering in addition to collaborating with actual companies.
During the summer, we had the opportunity to conduct experiments and gather data at NTU’s lab. Hence, all our members lived in the school dorms. There’s this saying about how you don’t truly know someone unless you have lived with them. We all adjusted quite quickly to being around each other 24/7. There were times when all the girls gathered in one room, having deep conversations, or simply laughing and gossiping. At night, practically everyone went to the late-night study hall and worked till midnight. Seeing everyone enter that state of pure focus and productivity also allowed me to adjust my habits and mindset. Besides this, we also had team bonding experiences, such as playing basketball, preparing for a test, exploring Paris, singing on bus rides, and even through our occasional conflicts. Overall, through this experience, I not only advanced my knowledge of synthetic biology significantly but also learned to work through a rollercoaster of events.
11A 吳家君
The reason that I attended iGEM was due to my interest in studying biology in university. I truly hope and believe that by attending iGEM, I am able to unleash the part that I had not yet unlocked, the field that I had not yet discovered, and a team that I have not yet released the full potential for. I knew there was something in me and my high school life, I knew there was a lack of a spark.
In the beginning of entering this competition, I was very ambivalent about the overall ability of the team. I am very questionable of myself in handling this competition and at the same time managing my time with studying. I remember clearly at the very end of the competition I was panicking about sustaining my grades and at the same time absorbing the materials that I learn in iGEM to be able to apply it throughout the competition.
Teamwork is a very big part of our group, it took almost half a year and I see no progress in team building even though me and Sara have already tried our best in building up connection and promoting communication. It was frustrating. However, the major turning point of it was during summer. We had a lab session during mid-July. It was one week of brutal training. During the night, the girls would gather together to discuss what problem that our team has faced and how to improve on it. We end up making a “bestie plan,” which basically means the girls will take the initiative to talk to the boys and pair up with them. For me it is kind of difficult, I am pretty much an introvert so that is a challenge for me throughout the journey. In terms of team building, it is really effective in strengthening the overall chemistry of the team, thus making the team better.
“80% of your gain is obtained when you are in Paris,” this is what teacher Ruyi told us at the beginning of the competition. I wasn’t so sure about this statement. However, after the trip in Paris, I have felt acknowledged the meaning behind it. I think iGEM holds a special place in my heart, it is a life lesson that teaches me relationships, academics, and the pursuit of happiness.
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