It’s funny how time works. I had been away from the US for nearly six years—since I relocated to Accra, Ghana, in 2018—and yet, when I landed back on American soil in June 2024, it felt like no time had passed at all. There were so many things I was excited about: reuniting with family and friends, meeting colleagues in person for the first time, attending incredible conferences, and getting the chance to see how much MAD-learn’s work is touching educators and students across the US.

First and foremost, reconnecting with my family and close friends was everything I had hoped for and more. I arrived on June 1, jet-lagged but filled with excitement, and my heart immediately lightened when I saw familiar faces at the airport. It felt so surreal, almost as though I had never left. Catching up with my family over a warm home-cooked meal was just what I needed to recharge before jumping into the whirlwind of conferences and work commitments.

The first conference of my trip was the NW GA RESA event in Cartersville on June 4, where I was joined by Alefiya, our phenomenal Founder and CEO. We’ve worked together so closely for years, but this was the first time we were attending a conference together. The energy at the conference was great. We interacted with passionate educators, exchanging ideas and insights about how technology can transform the classroom. It was especially fulfilling to connect with teachers who were just as eager as we were to improve student learning. I left the conference feeling inspired and more connected to the mission behind MAD-learn.

The very next day, June 5, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Cobb In Tech in Cobb County with Alexandra. Although we’d worked together remotely for years, this was our first time meeting in person, and honestly, it didn’t feel like the first time at all. It was as if we had known each other forever. We hit it off right away, laughing, swapping stories, and diving into conversations with attendees. It was such a joy to experience that together. The sessions at Cobb In Tech were fantastic, and the enthusiasm from the educators was infectious. It felt like a true celebration of how technology can elevate learning. But the highlight of the day came when I bumped into two students I’d interviewed just days earlier for internship roles at MAD-learn. I was walking through the exhibition hall when I heard a soft voice call out, “Oh my goodness, are you Doreen? I’m Eunice! I know you! You interviewed me on Monday. John is here with me. You interviewed him, too!” Both of them ran up to me, and I received the biggest, warmest hugs ever. It was such a heartwarming, full-circle moment that I’ll never forget!

From June 9 to 12, I attended the GACTE conference in Duluth with Alexandra and Alefiya, and let me tell you, this conference was a game-changer. The sheer number of educators, the high-quality sessions, and the opportunity to showcase MAD-learn’s work at the exhibition booth made it an unforgettable experience. One of the most exciting moments of the conference was co-presenting a session on “Virtual Internships” with the amazing Saundra Watts, a teacher from the Cobb County School District who is using MAD-learn in truly phenomenal ways in her classroom. Although I had met and interacted with Saundra virtually several times, this was the first time we met in person, and it was such a treat to finally collaborate in person. Our presentation flowed seamlessly, and the feedback we received was incredible. Educators walked up to us afterward, sharing how much they enjoyed the session and asking follow-up questions. It was such a rewarding experience to see how excited they were to explore new ways to bring technology into their classrooms. Between the inspiring conversations, the incredible energy from the attendees, and the positive response to our session, I left GACTE feeling energized and even more passionate about the work we’re doing at MAD-learn.

Next up was June 13-14, and the MathCon & CS Con in Atlanta. These conferences were particularly close to my heart because they focused on math and computer science—two areas I’m incredibly passionate about. Although MAD-learn wasn’t presenting a session, I was there in full support, donating MAD-learn swag and representing the team. The highlight for me was attending the awards night banquet, where I had the privilege of cheering on students who had participated in the CS4GA App and Design Challenge. These students had built incredible apps using MAD-learn and emerged as winners! It was such an inspiring moment to witness their hard work pay off.

It was also fantastic to meet Lavita Williams, the Computer Science Program Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education, in person for the first time. I had heard so much about her work and it was great to connect face-to-face, especially as we both share a passion for improving computer science education.

Even though I was on my own at the conference, I never felt alone. The community at MathCon and CS Con was so welcoming, and I found myself in some fantastic conversations with educators eager to bring coding and problem-solving into their classrooms. I left feeling energized by the discussions and inspired by the impact MAD-learn is having in the world of STEM education.

On June 24-27, Alefiya and I traveled to Greenville, SC, for the SC ACTE conference. Greenville, with its charming Southern hospitality, was the perfect setting for this conference. We had the chance to engage in more one-on-one conversations with educators who were deeply committed to developing their students’ skills for the future. It was rewarding to help them explore how MAD-learn could make a meaningful impact in their classrooms. Every conversation left me feeling more optimistic about the future of education and the role we can play in it.

The highlight of the trip came from June 28 to July 2 at the NY GEAR UP Camp in Ithaca—a truly unforgettable experience that also marked the major team reunion I had been eagerly anticipating for months. Meeting my colleague Caroline for the first time was extra special. Even though it was technically our “first” meeting, it didn’t feel that way at all. The bond we’d built through remote collaboration instantly clicked in person. Did I mention that while Alefiya, Gregg, and I had worked together in person before when I was based in the US, this was the first time all five of us—Alefiya, Gregg, Caroline, Alexandra, and me—were together in the same place at the same time? This reunion was truly special! We spent the week working side by side, strategizing, and bouncing ideas off each other. It was such a joy to finally experience our dynamic in person after so many years of collaborating remotely. It felt like the perfect culmination of everything we’ve built together!

The camp itself was absolutely incredible. With over 100 students, the energy was through the roof. These young minds dived into building apps using MAD-learn, and I was in awe of their creativity and problem-solving. Some of the students even got to present their apps at a formal banquet, showcasing their hard work to a room full of educators, parents, and peers. It was such a joy to see their confidence and pride as they shared their projects—truly a highlight of the trip.

When we weren’t busy at the camp, we took time to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Ithaca. We stayed at the cozy and picturesque La Tourelle Hotel, nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. One of my favorite moments was our campfire night behind the hotel, where Gregg serenaded us with his guitar. There was something magical about sitting around the fire, sharing stories, laughing, and listening to live music under the stars. We also enjoyed a lovely dinner by the lake, soaking in the peaceful surroundings while reflecting on the meaningful work we were doing at the camp and the connections we were making with educators.

Ithaca’s natural beauty was another highlight of our trip. One afternoon, we visited Taughannock Falls, and it absolutely took my breath away. The 215-foot waterfall and the sound of rushing water were even more majestic in person. We spent time marveling at its power and serenity, snapping photos and simply being present in the moment. We also had the chance to explore the Cornell Herb Garden, a hidden gem with fragrant herbs and colorful flowers that offered the perfect peaceful escape after our busy days. The whole trip was filled with moments of awe—whether it was the stunning landscapes or the deepened connections with my amazing team.

This wasn’t just a work trip; it was a true team-bonding experience. We laughed, brainstormed, and celebrated everything we had accomplished as a team and at the camp. I left Ithaca feeling even more connected to the incredible people I’m lucky to work with, and I’ll carry the memories of those days—filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and beauty—for a long time to come.

As I flew back to Accra on July 6, I was filled with gratitude for the experiences, the connections, and the work we had accomplished together during the past month. Each conference, each interaction with educators, and each conversation with my colleagues reinforced the power of collaboration in education. Being in the US was a reminder of the incredible impact our work can have in classrooms, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

I can’t wait to go back. I know it won’t be six years before I return again—there’s too much work to do, too many people to meet, and too many experiences to savor. Until next time, I’ll hold on to these memories and keep looking forward to the next chapter of this amazing journey with MAD-learn.