Charging Ahead: Our Journey in the HIMCM and the Drive for Sustainable Transit

This week I learned that our team's project, aimed at converting all buses in San Antonio to electric models, received an Honorable Mention in the prestigious High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HIMCM). This recognition isn't just a personal achievement; it represents a growing commitment to sustainable urban development.

The HIMCM stands as an incredible platform for young minds to engage with global challenges. This year, seeing 967 teams participate from around the globe was truly inspiring. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my teammates and our teacher advisor. Their relentless dedication, diverse viewpoints, and innovative approaches were key to our project's success. Each brainstorming session, discussion, and calculation brought us closer to a solution we all passionately believed in.

Our initial challenge was deciding between two pressing issues. Problem A focused on creating a mathematical model to assess the impact of invasive species like dandelions. However, we gravitated towards Problem B, “Charging Ahead with E-buses,” which required us to develop a model evaluating both ecological and financial aspects of transitioning to an all-electric bus fleet.

Our decision to focus on Problem B was driven by its potential for immediate and substantial impact on urban environments. We recognized that transforming public transportation could significantly reduce urban carbon emissions, reflecting our commitment to real-world change and the broader fight against climate change.

The diversity of solutions from teams worldwide was nothing short of impressive. Each model presented a blend of creativity and innovation, providing unique strategies and insights. We plan to explore these solutions further, gaining inspiration and enhancing our approach to sustainable urban development.

Our participation in HIMCM and the recognition we received go beyond academic success; it's a catalyst for action. We hope this event raises awareness about the environmental impacts of traditional bus systems and motivates governments and city planners to invest in cleaner, electric bus fleets. We're also advocating for a cultural shift towards public transportation, reducing the dependency on personal vehicles.

This journey is far from over. The recognition at HIMCM is a stepping stone towards advocating for sustainable urban transit systems. We envision a future where cities boast clean, efficient, and sustainable transportation networks. Together, we can make a significant difference, one electric bus at a time.

In closing, my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported us - our team, our mentor, and the HIMCM community. Let's continue to champion this wave of change towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.