From Cardboard to Memories: Our Miniature School Project Journey

What's up, Hivers? It's @makiyumee here and I am back with another blog! Today's blog is all about our final project during my last semester back in third year. Making this project really made me realize a lot of things which is why I want it to share it to you even if this happened about a year ago. The photos might come out blurry too because my phone back then had a poor camera quality, so yeah—without further ado, let's go!

Third year, second semester, was the time when one of our subject teachers announced our final project for her class and this was a miniature school. We were filled with mixed emotions when we heard this from her. Excitement was already brewing at the idea of creating something unique, but nervousness lingered because we knew this project would test our creativity, patience, and teamwork. It wasn’t just a project—it was an opportunity to work together as a class and learn lessons that would go beyond academics.

The day we received the project details was unforgettable. Our teacher handed us a checklist of what the project should include: classrooms, a library, a gym, and even small details like a school garden. It sounded overwhelming at first, but soon, our class discussions turned into a flurry of ideas and excitement. Everyone had something to say—some suggested creative layouts, others talked about the materials we’d need, and a few even volunteered their houses as potential venues to work on the project.

During one of our vacant periods, we gathered in the classroom to finalize our plans. Someone sketched a layout of the miniature school on the board, and everyone pitched in with suggestions. We listed the materials we needed: cardboard for the base and walls, glue sticks to hold everything together, acrylic paints for vibrant colors, and tiny decorations to make it realistic. With enthusiasm, we pooled our money, ensuring everyone contributed, even in small amounts. It felt like we were not just classmates but co-creators of something special.

Once the materials were purchased, we all agreed to meet at one of our classmate’s houses on the weekends. This would be our “construction site.” The house was perfect—spacious enough for everyone to spread out, and it had a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel at home. The weekends were where the magic truly happened. Dividing tasks among ourselves, we worked as a team. Some were in charge of cutting cardboard into precise shapes, others painted the pieces to bring them to life, and a few meticulously glued everything together. We quickly realized that teamwork wasn’t just about sharing tasks; it was about helping each other, especially when things didn’t go as planned.

Like when someone accidentally cut a classroom wall too short, and instead of blaming them, we brainstormed ways to fix it. Another one was when the paint for the school garden was too dark, and we worked together to lighten it. Every problem was met with cooperation, laughter, and determination. While the project was our main focus, we found time to enjoy ourselves, making the experience unforgettable. Behind the house, there was a tall mango tree, its branches heavy with ripe fruit. During breaks, we’d gather around the tree, picking mangoes and laughing as we struggled to reach the highest ones. The sweet, juicy mangoes became our reward for all the hard work we put into the miniature school.

We also cooked lunch together, and it became one of the highlights of our weekends. The kitchen filled with laughter and the aroma of food as some of us prepared dishes while others set the table. Sharing meals made us feel closer, turning our project sessions into moments of bonding and friendship. No project is complete without its share of challenges, and ours was no different. We often struggled with measurements, especially when cutting pieces for the walls and floors. A single mistake meant starting over, which tested our patience. Painting was another tricky part. Some areas turned out uneven, and the colors didn’t always match the way we imagined.

But instead of letting these setbacks discourage us, we learned to adapt. When something went wrong, someone always had a suggestion for how to fix it. We discovered how important communication and understanding were. Each mistake became a lesson, and each solution brought us closer as a team. As the days passed, our miniature school began to take shape. The classrooms had tiny desks and chairs made from folded paper. The library had bookshelves crafted from popsicle sticks, and the school garden was decorated with small plants we had gathered. Seeing everything come together was a proud moment for all of us.

The night before the project submission, we gathered one last time to add the finishing touches. We checked every detail, ensuring everything looked perfect. The joy and satisfaction on everyone’s faces were unmistakable. We had done it—together. On the day of submission, we carried our miniature school to the classroom, carefully protecting it from bumps along the way. Our teacher smiled as she saw our work, and we couldn’t help but beam with pride. It wasn’t just a project we were submitting; it was a representation of our hard work, teamwork, and creativity.

As we stood there, looking at what we had accomplished, we realized the project wasn’t just about building a miniature school. It was about building friendships, learning to overcome challenges, and discovering the joy of working together. This project taught us more than we ever expected. It showed us the value of teamwork and how important it is to listen to each other’s ideas. It reminded us that no challenge is too big when you have people supporting you. Most importantly, it gave us memories that we’ll carry with us forever.

In the end, our miniature school wasn’t just a representation of a building. Despite looking shabby, it was still a reflection of our ideas and efforts, the time and money we invested, and also our teamwork. That would be all for today's blog! I hope you had fun reading and I will see you all on the next one!