Michigan Tech Week

My Experience at Michigan Tech Week: Nerves, Growth, and a Big Win

October 4th, 2024 Going to Michigan Tech Week was an unforgettable experience. It had everything—nerves, excitement, and a huge sense of accomplishment.

My First-Ever Panic Attack

I’ve pitched before, but this time felt different. The room was packed with founders, investors, and tech experts. As I waited for my turn, my nerves kept building. Then, out of nowhere, I had my first-ever panic attack. My heart raced, my hands shook, and I couldn’t catch my breath. For a moment, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it.

Thankfully, my mentors were right there beside me. They helped me calm down, reminded me to breathe, and reassured me that I was ready for this. Their support meant everything and gave me the strength to keep going.

Somehow, I pulled myself together, took a deep breath, and stepped on stage.

Pushing Through the Fear

Once I started talking, the nerves slowly faded. I focused on my passion for CyberBuddy and let that lead me. The audience was engaged, and I could feel their energy. By the time I finished, I was relieved and proud—I had done it despite the fear.

Winning Second Place

When they announced I won second place, I was shocked. The competition was tough, and the other founders had amazing ideas. Getting recognized among them made all the stress worth it and gave me even more motivation to keep going.

More Than Just a Competition

Michigan Tech Week wasn’t just about pitching. I got to meet and connect with so many inspiring founders and industry leaders. Talking with them, sharing ideas, and learning from their experiences was just as valuable as winning.

My Biggest Takeaways

This experience taught me a lot—not just about pitching, but about facing fear head-on. I learned that it’s okay to be nervous. It just means you care. And most importantly, I realized that you don’t have to do everything alone. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger. My mentors helped me through one of the scariest moments of my life, and I’m so grateful for that.

Even when I thought I couldn’t do it, I proved to myself that I could. And this is just the beginning.