As someone who is constantly on the search for knowledge and thrives off learning new skills—even if at an elementary level—I was immediately taken and impressed by this week’s Service Spotlight. Tushar Jain is the founder of Hack-a-Solution, a free virtual event to introduce students around the world to coding and technology. This is his story.
Liz: Let’s start in true Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is.”
Tushar: Happiness is when you are at peace with yourself, your community, and health. Happiness is also when you are the sole determiner of your fate.
Liz: What is Hack-a-Solution?
Tushar: We invite anyone (middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students) to attend our FREE 24-hour Hackathon on Friday, September 4th, 2020, to put their skills to the test, learn new skills, connect with professionals in the tech industry and students that share similar interests, gain hands-on experience, and explore the world of technology. We aim to spread awareness about different global issues through our Hackathon.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Tushar: What drives us is what we see as the outcome. We know that through our Hackathon, people will benefit and grow. We have an opportunity to make a difference in the world we are living in today. Engaging people in activities and fostering teamwork leads to creative ideas and solutions and that is what we are aiming for.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Tushar: Service is something that can not be described easily. However, in our eyes, service is the process of providing for the people and hackers of this society. Giving them the opportunity to express their thoughts and skills with code and with new activities. Service allows the team to give back to the community in a technical manner, allowing users to exploit and learn.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Tushar: People can get involved in many ways. One of which is following our social media platforms of @hack_a_solution on Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. In addition, get involved by heading to our website (hackasolution.org) and clicking join now.
Liz: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Tushar: We want everyone to know that there will be workshops and mentors to help you along so no experience is required!
Liz: Finally, do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice to leave us with?
Tushar: “Don't count the days, make the days count.” The past few months during quarantine is a perfect example of what can occur on a moment's notice. No one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, but only what will happen today. This is why it is important to live life as it is rather than looking for more.
