My VT Hacks 12 Experience: Building, Learning, and Collaborating

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in VT Hacks 12 at Virginia Tech. It was an intense but rewarding experience filled with collaboration, innovation, and lots of coding. Over the course of the hackathon, my team and I worked tirelessly to build HomeRun, a real estate co-ownership platform designed to make property investment more accessible to everyone.

The Hackathon Journey

Hackathons are always a whirlwind of energy and creativity, and VT Hacks 12 was no different. From brainstorming ideas to debugging code at 3 a.m., the experience pushed us to think critically and work efficiently as a team. We started with the idea of creating a platform that would allow users to invest in real estate collaboratively, and after a few hours of discussion, HomeRun was born.

What I Learned

Throughout the weekend, I learned so much—not just about technology but also about teamwork and problem-solving under pressure. The hackathon setting forces you to prioritize key features and focus on delivering something functional in a very short time. I gained valuable experience working with React, Flask, and Supabase, while also learning how to seamlessly integrate PropelAuth for secure authentication. The collaborative atmosphere was fantastic, with every team member contributing their unique skills to the project.

Why I Love Hackathons

Hackathons like VT Hacks are special because they push you out of your comfort zone. You’re not just building an app; you’re tackling real-world problems with creative solutions and limited time. This hackathon was a perfect example of how teamwork, technology, and a passion for problem-solving can lead to something meaningful.

Looking Forward

Overall, VT Hacks 12 was an amazing experience that I will never forget. It reinforced my love for hackathons and reminded me why I enjoy building tech solutions to real-world problems. I’m excited to continue refining HomeRun and explore more opportunities to build and learn at future hackathons.

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