Guest Blog: ICPC Washington D2 Regional Programming Contest

 Our guest blogger is Abel, an Ethiopian student majoring in Computer Science! He's going to tell us what it was like to participate in a competitive programming event.

On November 16, 2024, my team and I participated in the ICPC Pacific Northwest Regional (Washington D2 Site) for the third time. The contest was held at the University of Washington, Tacoma, and it remains one of the most exciting and challenging programming competitions I've ever experienced.

Our journey began in 2022 when we were freshmen. Competing for the first time, we managed to solve two problems, gaining valuable insights into the contest's structure and atmosphere.

In 2023, we returned with more experience. The environment felt familiar, and we were more confident. This time, we performed better and finished in 6th place.

Each year has been a learning experience, helping us grow as a team and improve our problem-solving skills. This year, all of our hard work paid off. We won 1st place at the Washington D2 Site! It was an unforgettable moment that showed us how much progress we've made since our first contest. 

The winning team: Yonatan, Abel, and Biniam

What is ICPC?

The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitive programming events in the world. Teams of three university students are tasked with solving complex computational problems within a set time. The event is intense, and the competition isn't just about writing code. It's about teamwork, quick decision-making, and navigating challenges without external help. 

 

Korean New Year Traditions vs. American New Year Traditions

Hello guys! It's Luna. As the new year approaches, people around the world celebrate in unique ways. As a South Korean student studying in the U.S., I’ve experienced both Korean and American New Year traditions. While both celebrations share a sense of hope and renewal, they differ greatly in customs, atmosphere, and cultural significance.

Chillin' in Chicago: My Winter Break Adventure

Hi, everyone! I’m Nobita. Welcome to my travel blog. I hope you guys are having an amazing winter break. 

    

Chicago is a dynamic city with a unique blend of
history, culture, and community. Whether exploring its architectural wonders, savoring deep-dish pizza, enjoying live music, or cheering for a local sports team, there’s always something to experience in the Windy City.

 

📍360🌃

The 360 Chicago building, formerly known as the John Hancock Center, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago. Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, it stands tall at 1,128 feet (344 meters) and was among the tallest buildings in the world when it was completed in 1970. When I was on the deck there was the room where you can feel the wind on that floor which made me feel so relaxed and it felt like therapy and so good.

📍Millennium Park Ice Rink 

Sliding on the cold ice is one of my favorite winter activities—it’s always so much fun! We had to make a reservation first, but it was already packed and sold out, even though it was just Monday. That shows how popular this ice skating place is!  

When I finally got on the ice, it felt amazing. It brought back so many nostalgic memories from my childhood. I remembered all the winter days I spent skating with friends, laughing, and trying not to fall. The cold air, the sound of skates on the ice, and the joy of gliding around made me feel like a kid again. It was such a special moment, and I’m so glad I got the chance to skate here.

📍Art Institute of Chicago🎨

I have a deep appreciation for arts and crafts. If I had the opportunity, I would love to spend an entire day exploring all the incredible artworks and creations at the institute. However, with more than a hundred thousand pieces on display, even a full day wouldn’t be enough to take it all in. Nevertheless, visiting the institute was an amazing experience. In my opinion, it’s the perfect place for a first date. Personally, I would also come here whenever I’m feeling down and in need of some quality time for myself. One of my favorite exhibits was the “Thorne Miniature Rooms.”  

                               

I started my winter break in the beautiful city of Chicago, and it was such a great experience. The city is full of energy, with so much to see and do. Next, I’ll be traveling to Arlington, Virginia, and I’m excited to see what’s waiting for me there. Stay tuned for more updates from my journey. Until then, I hope you all have an amazing day! 🌟

~Nobita.