End Of The Year Achievement Blog

🚀 Final Project Overview

Poway Auto is a practical, full-stack solution designed to optimize autonomous vehicle routing using live open data from the City of Poway. Developed in partnership with PilotCity, this project stands as the culmination of my academic journey and technical growth.

🎖️ Microcredentials

📜 Certificates

Certificate Why I Earned It
🧰 Tools Basics Certificate I mastered Git and GitHub — creating branches, resolving merge conflicts, and using both CLI and GUI for commits and pushes. I consistently wrote clear, descriptive commit messages, organized sprints with GitHub Projects, and tracked my progress through documentation. I understand how these tools enable effective collaboration, not just for code sharing, but for coordinating development within real teams.
🕸️ GitHub Pages Certificate I developed and launched a fully functional frontend using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, deploying it live via GitHub Pages. I went beyond simple hosting by configuring custom routing, organizing the repository for seamless updates, and ensuring the site reflected every new feature. I approached deployment with a DevOps mindset—monitoring file structure, update workflows, and optimizing load performance throughout the project.
🖱️ JavaScript Certificate JavaScript powered my entire frontend — I implemented event listeners, fetch requests, and custom functions to display map data, cards, and handle errors. I also learned to debug asynchronous issues, secure input forms, and write modular, maintainable functions. I now understand JavaScript as more than just a language; it’s the logic layer that bridges user interaction with backend processing.
🐍 Python Certificate I leveraged Python extensively for backend development—parsing JSON, handling query parameters, validating inputs, and generating traffic predictions. I incorporated pandas to prepare for future machine learning integration and utilized SQLite for persistent storage of user and route data. I wrote and executed queries, managed table updates, and implemented robust exception handling. This demonstrates my ability to process real-world data and build reliable backend systems, going beyond basic syntax.
🛡️ Deployment And Linux Certificates I deployed a live backend using Ubuntu EC2 on AWS. I learned system-level tools like ufw, apt, and gunicorn, configured firewalls, handled IP/port management, and ran Flask behind an NGINX reverse proxy. I understand how production systems are built and secured. No tutorial — just me, the server, and a goal to make it real.

🧩 NFTs

NFT Why I Deserve It
🗺️ Google API NFT I implemented the Google Maps API to fetch real-time routing data, integrating it directly into our application. This allowed users to receive accurate directions and live map updates based on their input. I handled API authentication, constructed dynamic requests, and parsed the responses to display optimal routes. This work demonstrates my ability to connect external services, manage asynchronous data, and deliver a seamless user experience powered by live Google data.
📍 Favorite Locations NFT I developed a feature that lets users save their favorite locations directly on our website, making it easy to quickly access and route to frequently visited places. This involved designing a user-friendly interface for adding, editing, and selecting saved locations, as well as implementing backend storage to persist user preferences. This work highlights my ability to enhance user experience by building personalized, efficient navigation tools that streamline real-world workflows.
🪄 Fundumental design NFT I developed the foundational design and layout of our website, shaping the initial user experience and visual structure. I proposed and implemented core features—such as the main navigation, map display, and user input forms—that set the direction for our project. My early design decisions provided a framework for the team, guiding our feature development and ensuring a cohesive, user-friendly interface throughout the build process.

🖥️ What I Learned This Year

💡 Programming Skills

  • Languages: Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL
  • Logic: I learned how to use conditionals, loops, and functions to build complex logic flows
  • Data Structuring: I learned how to use arrays, lists, and json files to structure data

🔧 Backend Skills

  • APIs: I learned how to use restful API's and the Post, Put, Delete, and GET functions
  • AWS server deployment: I learned how to use AWS to deploy a backend onto the web
  • Database Management: I learned how to use SQLite to store and retrieve data
  • Data Storing: I learned how to use json files to create backups to my data

🎨 Frontend Skills

  • APIs: I learned how to connect the frontend to the backend through the use of API's
  • Styling: I learned how to uses css styling to make a frontend design appear more professional
  • HTML: I learned how to use HTLM to organize and create objects on a page
  • Javscript: I learned how to use javascript to add functionality to my websites

📝 Final Reflections

This project has tought me many things that I will use in my computer science career, and allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the engineering process

  • I now understand how to use my programming skills to create a product
  • I am comfortable working with professional tools to organize, store, and update code
  • I’ve earned valuable skills along my way allowing me to be a more valuable engineer.

I am proud of what I have created and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me

    Homework

    3.1 - Variables

    Explored variable assignment, reassignment, and how to store different data types.
    2024-10-10-3.1.ipynb

    3.2 - Data Abstraction

    Used lists and dictionaries to organize and access structured data.
    2024-10-10-3.2.ipynb

    3.3 - Mathematical Expressions

    Practiced mathematical and logical expressions in Python.
    2024-09-24-3.3-3.5.ipynb

    3.4 - Strings

    Manipulated strings using slicing, formatting, and built-in methods.
    2024-09-24-3.3-3.5.ipynb

    3.5 - Booleans

    Learned about logical operators and evaluated Boolean expressions.
    2024-09-24-3.3-3.5.ipynb

    3.6 - Conditionals

    Created branching logic using if, elif, and else.
    2024-10-24-3.6-3.7.ipynb

    3.7 - Nested Conditionals

    Implemented complex decision structures with nested conditionals.
    2024-10-24-3.6-3.7.ipynb

    3.8 - Iteration

    Used for and while loops to automate repetitive tasks.
    2024-10-10-3.8.ipynb

    3.10 - Lists

    Worked with list operations, iteration, filtering, and modifications.
    2024-10-10-3.10.ipynb

    Showcasing

    Demonstrating Poway Auto at Night at the Museum

    In June 2025, I was able to display my project, Poway Auto, during Night at the Museum — an annual event where students present their major projects from the year. The exhibition brought together families, educators, classmates, and community members to explore student work. It was a great opportunity for me to introduce the smart mobility platform I had been working on, describe its features, and receive feedback from a wide range of attendees.

    Preparation

    Our team arrived ahead of time to set up our area. Rather than using posters or tri-fold boards, we connected a laptop running Poway Auto to a larger monitor so visitors could easily see the live demo. This setup allowed us to walk people through the platform as they stopped by.

    We skipped printed flyers and instead generated a QR code that linked directly to our vCard, which included our names, emails, GitHub accounts, and project resources. Anyone interested could scan the code and save our contact details instantly.

    The atmosphere was relaxed but organized. Guests moved around the room, stopping at displays that caught their attention. The live map and route visualization on Poway Auto’s interface drew people in and sparked questions.

    Presenting the Project

    When someone approached, we introduced ourselves and described the project in straightforward language, explaining that Poway Auto is a routing tool designed for Poway, helping users find the best routes using current traffic data, local reports, and daily schedules.

    We then demonstrated the system in real time. Using the interface, we showed how to:

    • Input a starting location and destination
    • View up-to-date, traffic-aware routes using Google Maps API
    • Report incidents like accidents or roadwork on the map
    • Save preferred locations and routines for quick access
    • See predictions for traffic changes throughout the day

    For those interested in technical details, we explained the backend — including our Flask API, SQLite database, frontend built with Leaflet, and basic predictive features using Poway-specific information.

    The live demonstration ran smoothly, letting visitors see the platform update in real time and interact with features like hazard reporting and saving favorite places.

    Audience Interaction and Feedback

    The event attracted a variety of visitors, each providing different perspectives:

    Students

    Many students enjoyed experimenting with the interactive map and simulating traffic scenarios. They asked about the technologies we used and were curious about both the frontend and backend aspects.

    Parents

    Parents appreciated the idea of a tool that could simplify commuting in Poway. They offered suggestions for making the interface even more user-friendly and proposed features like scheduled notifications.

    Teachers and Mentors

    Teachers and staff focused on the development process and learning outcomes. They asked about the project timeline, challenges we faced, and how we collaborated as a team. Some recommended exploring options for long-term deployment, such as creating a mobile app.

    Takeaways

    Presenting Poway Auto at Night at the Museum helped me grow in several ways, both as a developer and as a communicator. Here are some things I learned from the experience:

    • Adapting explanations for different audiences
      I learned to adjust my descriptions based on who I was speaking with, making technical concepts accessible without oversimplifying.

    • Observing user interaction
      Watching people use the platform highlighted which features were intuitive and which needed clarification. Some visitors needed guidance to find certain functions, pointing out areas for UI improvement.

    • Receiving valuable suggestions
      Feedback from outside our classroom introduced new ideas, such as integrating weather data or adding route comparison tools. These suggestions could shape future updates.

    • Collaborating on presentations
      Since Poway Auto was a group effort, presenting together helped us practice dividing responsibilities and ensuring everyone could discuss all parts of the project.

    Summary

    Night at the Museum provided a chance to share our work with a real audience, test the system in a live setting, practice public speaking, and gather actionable feedback. I left the event with a better understanding of how to communicate technical ideas, observe user behavior, and consider future improvements. Most importantly, it was rewarding to see people engage with something I helped create, not just as a school project, but as a tool with real-world potential.