Introduction: MakerspaceNYP & Makersnode
MakerspaceNYP (MSP) is a tinkerer’s dream. It is a workshop dedicated to NYP students (and staff!) to bring projects to life: Numerous pieces of equipment ranging from 3D Printers to laser cutters and heavy machinery (and many more!). Furthermore, if students and staff want to get their hands on digital or media technologies, Makersnode (MSN) is a perfect way to start.
Is MSP/MSN only a place for creating? Can students attain leadership qualities or design-thinking/project management skills through these platforms?
This article will explore experiences of PFP students working inside MakerspaceNYP/Makersnode as Student Assistant Coach, and how their interpersonal and leadership qualities improved through this thrilling experience!
What does a Student Assistant Coach do?
A Student Assistant Coach (SAC) is a Leadership Development program by MakerspaceNYP, piloted by the Innovation & Enterprise Office, targeted towards PFP & Year 1 students.
An SAC upholds MSP’s crafts culture, safety, and exhibits initiative to assist MSP/MSN users. They work with the coaches working in MSP/MSN and serve as student guides exhibiting the values of…
- Innovation
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal & Collaboration skills
SACs embark on personal or group projects from different interest groups (sewing, embroidery, electronics, etc). These passion projects can serve a purpose to our community and aim to resolve issues or promote causes, such as sustainability. (see one of MSP’s projects below!)
What is needed from an SAC?
While normally specialised in technical hard skills like handicrafts, a SAC mostly works with diverse people or users in MSP/MSN. Having empathy and interpersonal skills are necessary to assist people in need and hone MakerspaceNYP’s innovative culture with open-mindedness.
Building a strong communication foundation can help PFP students build confidence and foster an innovative spirit.
PFP Students as MakerspaceNYP’s SAC!
PFP Students Lea (Yoonsung) and Nat (Natalie) share their experiences inside of Makerspace as a SAC:
NAT
“MakerspaceNYP and Makersnode is a place where I could freely express myself, grow as a person, and take the next step into improving my projects from the advice of the community!”
Why did Nat join MSP?
“Because I want to help people! It brings me joy when I see the outcome through the smiles on their faces. Not only that, I want to learn new skills and face new challenges.”
When asked what being an SAC entails, she replied: “I think a SAC is supposed to be someone who is there to give guidance when in need, and someone friendly.”
LEA
“MSP is somewhere I’ll go to do what I’ve never done before.”
Why did Lea join MSP?
“I joined purely because I thought it would be fun to work in MSP. Not going to lie, it is really fun to be here!”
When asked about her thoughts on her time as an SAC, she replied.
“It can be tough sometimes, though. But it’s okay! Because I always have my seniors and coaches to help me through the difficulties!”
Projects Nat and Lea have taken part in
One project Nat and Lea heavily contributed to was the Minister’s COMPASS visit. They presented their prototypes and conducted tours for visitors.
As Singapore’s landscape is filling up with waste yearly, their project hopes to promote sustainability and make a change by giving materials a second chance through repurposing. Their prototype is a pouch made of old banners.
When asked about their experiences working on the project, the PFP students mentioned:
Nat: “I realised that there’s a lot of responsibility and trust on the job. Watching my seniors carrying the responsibility of their roles is such a huge inspiration to me as they were amazing in leading the team.”
Lea: “Doing this tour was so meaningful to me as I get to do them with my friends and coaches!”
Our takeaways
To conclude, MakerspaceNYP/Makersnode provides SACs with an environment that strengthens soft skills such as communication and creativity. What’s more, people are given a chance to learn unique technical skills like 3D printing!
MakerspaceNYP allows for creative freedom and builds leadership qualities like patience and critical thinking. Be a part of the Student Assistant Coaches, and dive into the world of innovative leaders!
Austin Ho 
Hani Marsya 
Brandon Sapitan