I love programming and enjoy solving puzzles. The Honors Academy track 'Competitive Programming and Problem Solving' challenges you to work on very practical problems. How many and which RFID scanners can scan a package in a warehouse? What's the fastest way for a boat to leave the harbor? Which floor should you get off the elevator to ensure other elevator users also have the shortest possible journey? These are concrete problems that you can solve by using different algorithms.
Besides the technical aspect, the Honors Academy also allowed me to grow as a person. For instance, I鈥檝e learned to take the initiative. It's often easier to choose not to do something, but I started standing up for change more often. The EAPC competition (Eindhoven Algorithmic Programming Contest, ed.) was one of my highlights. I鈥檝e also learned a lot from participating in projects and presentations.
The most important advice I can give to others: don't do it just because it looks good on your resume, but because you're genuinely open to it. You have to want to improve your technical skills and your personal development. It takes time, but I found it absolutely worthwhile. You develop in more than one area and get the chance to meet many new people.
Honors Bachelor Program (September 2023 鈥� August 2025)
