TOM 2017 Changing Lives

TOM 2017 assisted 12 disabled Colombians by creating prototypes of biomedical devices that allows them to complete an specific tasks and live more complete lives.

TOM was held in the school during October 5-7 which consisted of 12 groups with various specialists working together to improve the disabled person`s life quality. Biomedics, doctors and therapists from EIA and Consejo de Rehabilitacion all worked together in order to successfully complete this life changing project.

“It was pretty cool having all this really intelligent and knowledgeable people at our sides. Working with experts was something I’ve never done before,”Julian Jaramillo, 11th grade student and TOM Participant, said.

The planning and organizing of the event which took more than a year of work payed off since the layout of the project allowed the team to work efficiently and rapidly.

“We felt really comfortable as a team since the organization allowed a useful workplace with all the equipment we needed,” Jose Galarcio, Doctor and Participant of Tom, said.

The first day consisted of an opening ceremony which introduced the public and the TOM workers to the group of disabled persons. It was immediately followed by a hours of work on the prototype.

“My first impression brought doubt and made me worried, since I felt that if we didn’t complete this goal we could let down many people,” Lucas Hall, 11th grade student and TOM Participant, said

The second day was all work on the Makers(TOM Participants) side, where they worked from early in the morning until the next day while sleeping in campus. The disabled person also had many activities helping them stay entertained, like Origami and Table Soccer.

“The second day was exhausting. We worked pretty much all day and I slept only 4-5 hours. It was the hardest part of the whole event,” Jaramillo said.

Lastly, the third day consisted on a couple of hours of work and a closing ceremony that showcased all of the final products. Several videos showed the teams work during the 3 days and how the whole event went with over 300 guests filling the theater.

“The closing ceremony was truly the best thing. We were able to see the end result of all the work we did during those 3 days. It was all worth it,” Hall said.

Every single challenge was accomplished and the goal of fulfilling twelve life changing projects was completed. What seemed impossible, was accomplished in only three days and changed lives.

“If I could do it again, I would. Even though those three days were long and hard, I really enjoyed the experience,”Hall said

“Everything worked nicely and we were actually able to change lives and to make a difference in this world. TOM really makes the difference,” Jaramillo said.