When I used to hear the word engineering, I would picture skyscrapers, massive machines, and steel structures. But after our last lesson, I realized that engineering can sometimes begin with something as simple as a piece of paper.
That day, our teacher walked into the classroom and gave us an interesting challenge: “Using basic materials, build a bridge strong enough to hold a book without collapsing.” On the tables, there were sheets of paper, glue, and a few pencils. For a moment, we all hesitated. Is it even possible to build a bridge out of paper?
We started brainstorming and got to work. Divided into groups, we each came up with different ideas. One person rolled the paper into columns, another stretched it to reinforce the base of the bridge. Our group began with a simple design. But during the first test, the bridge collapsed. Honestly, we felt a bit embarrassed. Still, the failure didn’t discourage us. On the contrary, we analyzed what went wrong, thought of alternative strategies, and started folding the paper more purposefully.
Our second attempt was a success. The bridge held the weight of two books – and that felt like a real victory. But the greatest achievement that day wasn’t just building a stronger bridge. It was discovering the essence of engineering: planning, testing, learning from failure, and trying again. Most importantly, we learned that the process itself matters more than the final result.
At the end of the lesson, our teacher said, “Engineering isn’t just about building – it’s about thinking. It’s about analyzing problems, trying different approaches, and working with determination.” And it was true. That day, we didn’t just build a bridge out of paper – we learned how to think critically, collaborate, and understand the power of persistence.
Now, when I look at a bridge, I don’t just see the materials it’s made of. I see the effort, the trial and error, and the thoughtful design behind it.