While working on their project, the team faced two major issues: finding the time to pick up new skills needed to code HopeHub and fine-tuning their final presentation. Thomas Kai-Ren Rettig, 14, recalled how the team had to quickly familiarise themselves with Discord’s Python library. “There were many things we had to learn about in a short time, which was quite challenging. We also had to juggle our studies, so we needed to develop effective time management.”

For Lin Xinghai, 15, wrapping up the coding in three weeks wasn’t the challenge he feared most – rather, it was the public speaking aspect of the competition. “I have stage fright; it’s hard for me to express myself, so when I knew we had to present to the judges, I felt really pressured.” His teammate Mao Qian Rui, 14, echoed his anxiety, recounting how he had to rehearse his section of the script 18 times at home in order to present fluently.

Besides having to conquer their fear of public speaking, the team also had to ensure that non-Discord users would be able to understand their solution. To make their content crystal-clear, Chen Yu rallied everyone to redo the entire presentation two days before submission. This time, they got everything down pat and, in doing so, bagged a Distinction award in the Tech Category at the Infocomm Media Club Youth Awards.

And just as HopeHub shows Discord users that they are not alone, the team found themselves drawing strength from their teachers, school community and principal, who rushed over from a meeting to support them during the competition. Said Tedrick: “Our parents also provided us with support when we needed it most – whenever we struggled during tough moments, during the examinations and when coding the bot itself. We are grateful for all the help along the way.”