Building Bridges in Code: A Journey Through Software Engineering and Design

WEEK 18 - Exemption, Expectations, and Endless Debugging!  Looking back on this semester, it’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of pure joy and excitement mixed with overwhelming stress and a touch of fear. Each of us experienced a whirlwind of emotions, sometimes all at once, as we navigated through the challenges of Software Design and Engineering. Starting from scratch in this subject, I’ve learned so much that I didn’t think was possible. None of this, though, would have been possible without Sir Carl one of the most amazing instructors in the Computer Engineering Department at USTP CDO. We’re all incredibly thankful for the opportunity to learn from him. His wisdom, patience, and kindness guided us every step of the way, and I know we’ll carry that with us long after this semester ends. This week has truly tested our limits. With back-to-back exams and PIT presentations, it felt like we were running a marathon with no finish line in sight. We’ve been j...

 WEEK 17 - Exemption Surprise, App Deadline Strikes! The week started with a mix of excitement and nervousness. We were all ready for our final exam, but Sir Carl had a surprise for us. He told us we were all exempt from the exam, and we were all relieved—until he dropped the bomb. "Your app project is now your final requirement," he said. Suddenly, the pressure was on. Our app was far from finished, and now we had to focus all our energy on it. Debugging, finalizing features, and meeting the deadline felt impossible, but the bond we’ve built through group work and problem-solving made it easier. We've made a lot of mistakes, but we’ve learned so much and created memories we’ll never forget. As we get closer to the finish line, we’re all hoping we’ll finish strong and have something we’re proud of. It’s a tough week, but with determination, we’re going to push through, no matter how many late nights it takes. Later in the week, we had Quiz 2, covering Data Visualization a...

WEEK 16 - Opportunities, Risks, and the Big Data Adventure  You might think it sounds like a boring, techy topic, but trust me, it was anything but that! Instead of a typical quiz, we found ourselves getting lost in a sea of data, trying to figure out how companies know exactly what we like and how they manage to suggest just the right products at the right time. It's like they can read our minds, but in a much more mathematical way! Sir Carl took us on an adventure into the world of data patterns, explaining how large sets of information can be mined for insights that help shape industries today. As I sat there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. How does all this work? How do companies know me so well? It was like a detective story unfolding before my eyes. After the discussion, it was time to roll up our sleeves and dive into an activity. We were given a scenario and tasked with answering 10 questions. I was in charge of tackling questions 3 and 4 on opportunities ...

WEEK 15 -  Preparation, Nerves, and the 10-Minute Countdown The usual lecture was replaced by Quiz 1 for our finals, and the tension was as thick as the air. Everyone was nervous, pacing around in their seats, but when Sir Carl entered, it was like the calm before the storm. Attendance was checked, and before we could blink, the quiz began. The ticking clock seemed louder than usual, like a countdown to the end of the world well, the end of our peaceful afternoon anyway. With only 10 minutes to spare, I felt the pressure, but I was relieved that all the studying I did beforehand helped me tackle most of the questions with confidence. Of course, there were still a few that left me scratching my head, but I pushed through. The quiz ended as quickly as it started, and the feeling of being dismissed early was a strange mix of relief and disbelief. We packed up, went home, and for a moment, I realized just how important preparation is. With more quizzes ahead, I vowed to do even be...

WEEK 14 - HTTP Requests and Health Records: A Match Made in API Heaven  We explored everything from making valid HTTP requests to understanding the differences between XML and JSON, but the most important takeaway for me was learning how to design APIs. As someone who’d be handling the backend for our project, this knowledge was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about integrating services; it was about making our app function smoothly with the external world. The pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place. The discussion flowed smoothly, mostly because many of us had already worked with APIs in app development. We covered the essential components: how to make valid HTTP requests (thank you URL, Method, Headers, and Body), the battle between XML and JSON, and the all-important API authentication. Then came the real challenge: designing APIs. I thought it was going to be overwhelming, but it was actually a pretty enlightening experience, especially knowing that I’d be han...

WEEK 13 - Quality Overload It was a typical Tuesday afternoon, but my brain was far from ready for what lay ahead. We walked into class, greeted by a 10 item seatwork quiz. With no warning, I found myself staring at the paper, feeling the weight of my unpreparedness. The quiz wasn’t a stroll in the park, but I clung to hope, knowing I had skimmed through the module last week. Maybe, just maybe, I'd gotten a few answers right. The clock ticked, and I gave my best shot at the questions. But as the professor began the discussion, I realized how wrong I had been on some. Then came the real talk the class session on Software Reliability and Quality Management. We dove deep into the importance of software quality. We explored SQA (Software Quality Assurance) and its role in creating excellent software, and we got acquainted with the ISO standards that shape our work. What truly struck me was the lesson on the 5s Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. It wasn’t just a system for softwa...

 WEEK 12 - With Every Challenge We Face, We Move Closer to Our Goal This week, we didn’t have our regular in-person class due to the extended break following All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Instead of holding classes, Sir Carl posted the next topic on USTEP for us to study ahead of time. While the resources are available, most of us, myself included, have been taking this opportunity to rest and recover after the overwhelming midterms. The break has given us a much-needed chance to release the stress that’s built up over the past few weeks and prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for the finals. On the project side, the week has largely been spent focusing on fixing issues in our app. It’s been a long and challenging process, as this is the first time we’re developing an app from scratch. With little to no prior experience in app development or Kotlin, every task feels like climbing a steep hill. The back end, in particular, has been a significant hurdle. Debugging,...

 WEEK 11 - Resolving Firestore Connection This week was full of ups and downs as we worked hard to fix our broken database. The problem was tricky to find because it was hidden in a part of the system we didn’t think to check. We spent days going through everything, trying to figure out what went wrong. When we finally found the issue, it felt like a big weight had been lifted off our shoulders a mix of relief, happiness, and tiredness. Fixing it wasn’t just about solving the problem; it was about working together and learning from the experience. Testing the fixed database was a happy moment because it showed that all our effort was worth it. After everything, we took a well-deserved break, spending time with our families and loved ones during Halloween. Those moments of fun and rest reminded us why we work so hard to grow, to learn, and to enjoy the small victories along the way.