February 19th to 21st, North Campus, University of Michigan
We started with an ultimate goal: to see every hacker grow. First, we make sure that hackers will feel welcome with an inclusive community. Then, we need to give them the tools and resources they need to truly succeed. Then and only then, once we do that, will we see what we’d like to call personal development. But what is your personal development? As much as we’d like to answer that for you, we can’t. But we can help you achieve it.
Our goal is for each and every hacker leave feeling more inspired and excited than they did coming in. We’re purposely leaving this pretty vague, because who are we to define your success? If you’re a veteran hacker, maybe try a totally new hack? If you’re a new hacker, build your first full hack! If you really bond with a sponsor, shoot for an internship! We’re not going to limit you.
Sadly, we’ve noticed that many hackers don’t feel comfortable sharing the work they’ve built, since it may not be up to their personal standards. At MHacks: Refactor, it’s not important if your hack isn’t finished to your satisfaction. Expo it anyways! People should see what you created. If it’s not working completely, expo it anyways! If you’re not sure people will like it (they will), expo it anyways! We are going to work with you to make sure that hack you create sees an expo table. We’ll be working to give out the coolest prizes not only to just the “best” hacks, but to the most creative, funny, beginner, you-name-it hacks!
We understand that we may get some pushback for some of our initiatives, but know that change never comes from pretending things are fine. What does it say about our community if we continue to ignore the struggles our fellow hackers may face? We as a community need to have each other’s backs, support each other through struggles, and celebrate each other’s successes.
So now that you’ve had a chance to hear from us, we’d like to hear from you. And remember, MHacks: Refactor will be on Feb. 19–21 on Michigan’s North Campus. Applications come out soon, and we’ll hopefully see you there!
Inclusive Community + Hacker Empowerment = Personal Development
If you want to go back to the start, click here.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Compliments (we like these!)? Shoot us an email (hackathon@umich.edu), message us on Facebook, DM us on Twitter, or tag us on Instagram!
