# Tinkerfolio: Tinkering with Purpose
*This blog is written by Natasha, Sheryl, and Marcus, three rising Year 3 Computing students from the National University of Singapore (NUS), who embarked on an internship at Tinkertanker during the summer, under the guidance of mentor YJ Soon. This blog post delves into their inspiring journey of bringing Tinkerfolio to life.*

## The Genesis of Tinkerfolio
Tinkerfolio's story begins with EchoClass, Tinkertanker's trusted in-house learning management system. As the team recognized the untapped potential within EchoClass, they envisioned transforming it into something more personalized and long-term. The idea of personalized individual accounts emerged, allowing users to maintain a consistent learning journey throughout their time at Tinkertanker.

The vision for Tinkerfolio was further cemented during the preparation for the Swift Explorer Event. The need for group submissions provided the perfect opportunity to explore group collaboration within the platform. Additionally, the team recognized the value of empowering students through a portfolio system, where they could proudly showcase their progress and achievements.


## Meeting the Team

Meet Natasha, a bubbly individual with an interest in information security and adventure. Natasha brings the spirit of fantasy and excitement to the office with her love for Dungeon and Dragons. She's the mastermind behind organizing thrilling D&D sessions that transport the team to magical realms and epic quests.

Sheryl, the tech enthusiast of the team, has a keen interest in software engineering. When she's not busy with coding, she has a unique taste for reading captivating short stories from the r/nosleep subreddit. With a strong desire to make a positive impact, Sheryl's dedication to building useful solutions shines through.

Last but not least, meet Marcus, the coder with a penchant for Kentucky Fried Chicken and Coke. He may have a soft spot for indulgent treats, but his coding skills are anything but laid-back. Marcus brings a sense of humor and camaraderie to the team, making every project a fun and collaborative experience.

## Tinkerfolio: A Fusion of Skill and Passion
With Django and React as their tools, the team embarked on the development of Tinkerfolio. Independent learning played a crucial role in their progress, allowing them to continuously expand their knowledge and skill sets. They delved into user acceptance testing and unit testing, ensuring a robust and user-friendly end product.


The journey to create Tinkerfolio was not without its challenges. From technical hurdles such as delving into JWT token authentication, learning the applications of Docker, to refining the user experience, the team encountered various roadblocks. However, these obstacles became valuable learning opportunities, shaping their problem-solving skills and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.

## Other Adventures
During their internship, Natasha, Sheryl, and Marcus had the opportunity to participate in various activities. They played a role in organising DSTA's annual [CodeExp event](https://www.dsta.gov.sg/brainhack/challenges), as well as assisted in Tinkertanker's Swift competitions.

They enjoyed the experience engaging with students, where they shared their passion for technology and inspired young minds. Assisting with workshops allowed them to contribute to the community and gain valuable leadership experience. Most importantly, the interactions gained with other interns fostered lasting connections and friendships.

## Final Thoughts & The Future
The development of Tinkerfolio is a testament to the power of collaboration, design thinking, and iterative development. It not only addressed a critical need in the educational landscape but also set a new standard for innovation within Tinkertanker.

As they look back on their journey, Natasha, Sheryl, and Marcus carry valuable lessons with them, knowing they are well-equipped to tackle future challenges and continue making a meaningful impact in the world of technology. They look forward for a brighter future, where Tinkerfolio continues to shape the educational landscape and inspire learners everywhere.