TOM was originally perceived as any another event for HS students, sponsored by the school, yet, it has substantially changed as it has become a part of TCS student’s identity.
During TOM 2023-24, over 200 students had a relevant role in the event’s logistics, and most students in the school visited the event as well. This connection with the school develops a sense of belonging and connection between the event and the entire community surrounding TCS.
“I feel that TOM is a wonderful initiative that connects students, parents, staff, teachers and even people from outside the school. As a High School parent, I had never felt so motivated to support my son than with TOM,” Maria Adelaida Escobar, HS Parent, said.
TOM has connected with most students as it is a multidisciplinary school activity that enhances all kinds of learning and skills. The event requires skills such as technology, marketing, communications, video-editing, strength, and interior design.
“I was very excited as I had the chance to help others. I could use my skills in communications and design to expand TOM’s image through the community, which is another way to make a big impact,” Senior Ambar Alvarez said.
TOM has also grown to become a part of student’s identity due to its expansion and growth throughout the last six years, and students have noticed its impact.
“I have been part of TOM since Grade 7 and I have seen firsthand the way anyone can get involved and help people. It’s amazing how much you can do,” Senior Emiliana Gómez said.
TOM 2023 involves students of all ages. Students from Grade 3 to Grade 7 made up the Makers of TOMorrow, an event that encouraged students to take the same path as the High School Makers from TOM.
“My first year in TOM was back in Grade 4 where we developed a solution for people riding bikes in Medellín. This motivated me to continue helping people and being a part of TOM in the future as well,” Julieta Velez, Grade 9, said.
The solutions created in Makers of TOMorrow serve as ideas that will lead the future generation into using technology and feeling passionate about it, especially when it focuses on changing and transforming our world.
“The kids had lots of fun creating those lamps as they used tech they had never seen before and learned lots of new stuff, ” Salvador Creus, Grade 11, said.
Extending this event to take place throughout the entire school is a way to bring together the TCS community and empower students to put their skills to use and help those in need.
“Kids from MS and HS work together to make this event possible uniting both schools and connecting people. All of us would be involved working towards a goal and helping a common cause,” Alina Restrepo, Grade 9, said.
For years, the expansion of TOM has been a dream for many young students who wish to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills. This is also a great opportunity for students to leave their comfort zone and learn about inclusiveness, respect, and acceptance.
“I have seen myself since I was in fourth grade participating in this event and it’s finally an honor to be part of it and start getting into this world of helping other people and connecting with the school community,” Restrepo said.
Students mainly highlighted the chance to have fun while learning. Elementary students experienced the event firsthand for the first time, as these kinds of workshops had never been implemented.
“My experience was excellent because I could really understand what we were doing, I had never done something like this,” Martin Trujillo, Grade 5, said.
Students used a variety of technological materials and tools commonly used by the robotics team, yet, not by the classes in the curriculum established in the school.
“I was responsible for the programming of the Arduino, where I learned how to make some LED lights turn on and off,” Martín Ramírez, Grade 5, said.
TOM is focused on well-being as a whole, both from the Need Knowers and the Makers and volunteers. The feeling people get once they have noticed the effect they have generated in their Need Knowers and their families has no way of explaining it.
“I have been participating in TOM for many years because I really feel passionate about what we are doing here. It’s very satisfying when I can use my skills to help others,” Senior Pablo Franco said.