How to Have Fun in College: From Hackathons to Building Community

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Hosted by
Alex Pang

In this episode of Owl Byte, we switch things up. Instead of our usual one-on-one conversation with a student, faculty member, or industry professional, we sit down with a group of seniors whose shared journey has shaped both their college experience and a thriving student community at Temple University.

This episode features the founding members of the Temple Trading and Technology Club (TTT)—a close-knit group of friends brought together through shared classes, countless hackathons, and a passion for building things together. What began as a joke among friends has grown into a vibrant student organization attracting members not only from the Computer Science department, but also from the Fox School of Business and the Mathematics department.

We start by exploring how they first met and how the group organically expanded over the years. The students share their hackathon experiences, including winning competitions sponsored by Comcast and an Adobe-sponsored track. Their Adobe project generated so much interest that the company is reaching out to the team, suggesting that their original hackathon idea could turn into a full-fledged Adobe extension. They also reflect on a lighter—and interesting—project: an app that lets users rate Temple’s bathrooms.

Beyond technical achievements, we talk about friendship, fun, and growth. The group reflects on how working and learning together shaped their personal and professional development, and how being part of a supportive community made the challenges of college more manageable—and more enjoyable. We close the episode by asking what advice they would give to first-year students, and what they would do differently if they were starting their college journey again.

Overall, this is a must-listen episode for any student interested in computer science, technology, or simply making the most of their time in college. It offers insight into how collaboration, curiosity, and community can turn a college experience into something truly productive, enjoyable, and memorable.

Reference:

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