The Rewards and The Intern

Throughout the whole experience, I was rewarded a couple of times. Most notably, I received something called the Priddy Award, or more formally, the Kathryn and Ashley H. Priddy Award. This award is for outstanding research, and I think it played a big role in me getting selected for the STARS program. I got a $3,000 stipend to conduct research here from the Priddy Endowment, which is only given to about 1 to 6 kids out of a pool of 2 to 3 thousand applicants each year. So yeah, it's Priddy selective.

I received this award for research I did at a science fair earlier this year, around January or February. Competing there and winning the award was a huge deal, and I think it really boosted my application for the internship. During the program, they recognized me and a few others who also got the award, which was Priddy cool. We were acknowledged in front of everyone, and it felt great to be celebrated for our achievements.

Another reward was just completing the program. They gave us a certificate, a pin, and a bunch of gifts at the end. The closing ceremony was Priddy extravagant, with lots of free food and goodies. It's always nice to get free stuff, especially when it comes with a sense of accomplishment. At the orientation, we got free bags, water bottles, and other branded items. It's like they wanted to make sure we remembered where all this cool stuff came from, but hey, I'll take it!

During the research project, there were lots of little victories that felt like rewards. Anytime my code worked, whether it was coding breathing patterns for the Arduino or getting the IR receiver to pick up signals from the remote, it felt amazing. These little milestones added up, making the whole process rewarding. Each success, no matter how small, was a reminder that I was on the right track.

The STARS team also threw small parties and social events for us to celebrate our progress. We had a movie night a few weeks ago, and it was fantastic. They covered everything—tickets, food, drinks, you name it. It was a fun way to unwind and feel appreciated for our hard work. 

We also had smaller get-togethers during work hours. One time, they organized a boba event where they bought us boba drinks for free. We all gathered at the STARS office, grabbed our drinks, and then went to lunch together. These little events were great breaks from the intense work and helped us bond as a team.

Even the little rewards and recognitions made a big difference. They kept us motivated and reminded us that our efforts were valued. Plus, who doesn't love free food and drinks? Every small celebration felt like a pat on the back, encouraging us to keep pushing forward.

Looking back, these rewards, big and small, were a huge part of what made the internship so special. They not only recognized our hard work but also made the experience fun and memorable. The Priddy Award, the closing ceremony, the little victories in coding, and the social events all contributed to an unforgettable summer.