As a first-year, Sadat Ahmed—now a sophomore majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering—returned to a community that had shaped some of his most defining high school experiences. For Sadat, the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST) had always been more than a competition. It was where he discovered leadership, formed lasting friendships, and learned to believe in his own potential. Coming back as a Software Engineering Intern gave him the chance to reconnect with the program in a new and meaningful way.
Rediscovering a Familiar Community
When Sadat began his internship, the energy of MIST felt immediately familiar. He remembered the excitement of preparing for competition weekends and the pride of leading his team to regional and national victories two years in a row, breaking a seven-year streak for his region. In his senior year, he earned the title of Overall Competitor, a moment that marked the culmination of years of dedication.
Looking back, Sadat reflected, “MIST was where I learned how to step up. It pushed me and shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.” Returning as an intern gave him the chance to support the next generation of competitors as they began their own journeys.
Contributing Through Technology
Throughout the academic year, Sadat worked to strengthen the technical systems that help MIST operate smoothly. A major part of his role involved maintaining the official Squarespace website, which serves as the central hub for schedules, rulebooks, and essential updates. His goal was to ensure that the thousands of students, coaches, and families who depend on the site could access the information they needed without difficulty.
One of his most significant projects was developing a custom Flask website to track spirit points for more than 600 competitors. The system allowed organizers to update points instantly and view standings in real time, transforming a typically complicated process into something simple and organized. It created a smoother experience for both organizers and competitors during the busy competition weekend.
Sadat also spent weeks testing and debugging the various systems that would be used during the event. When competition weekend arrived, he worked on-site to resolve technical issues as they appeared, helping ensure that events ran efficiently and without disruption. He also supported the registration process by verifying information and assisting coaches and teams as they checked in.
Working closely with organizers and volunteers showed him how complex and collaborative the behind-the-scenes operations truly are.
A Summer of Growth
Sadat’s internship allowed him to combine his technical knowledge with meaningful service. He strengthened his ability to solve problems under pressure, communicate clearly, and design tools that directly improve people’s experiences.
One of the most important lessons he carried with him was the importance of giving back. “It felt good to support the same program that supported me,” he shared. MIST had helped shape his confidence and leadership skills as a competitor, and returning as an intern reminded him of the value of staying connected to the communities that influence us the most.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the school year, Sadat felt even more motivated to pursue work that blends engineering with impact. He hopes to continue building technologies that help people and strengthen communities. His time with MIST reaffirmed his desire to stay involved with programs that inspire and empower young people.
For Sadat, this internship was more than a professional experience. It was a chance to honor the past, contribute to a community he cares deeply about, and help guide future competitors along the same path he once walked.
— Aishah Shahid, Engineering Correspondent
