1) Hi Nada, can you tell us what you've been up to since graduating from THINK Global School in 2022? Since graduating in 2022, I've been pursuing a passion I found while at TGS, sustainability, and I am currently majoring in engineering in renewable energy systems at Al Akhawayn University, in Ifrane, Morocco. But there is way more than that! I've had a chance also to explore the world of...
Read More1. Hi Maxim. It’s been two years now since you graduated from THINK Global School. What have you been up to in that time?
Since graduating from TGS, I have been attending the University of Toronto studying mineral (mining) engineering. I know you might be asking why, out of all engineering, I chose mineral engineering? It’s because I want to throw myself into the space mining industry. I figured it might be important to know how to mine on Earth before looking at the stars. Additionally, in that time, I have met some great friends, and we have recently started to rent a place together. As I am preparing for my second year, I am so far living the slightly dreadful engineering dream. 😉
2. On top of your degree, it sounds like you’ve been working on a really cool project involving blockchain and NFTs — can you tell us more about it?
Sure! My friend and I started a cryptocurrency called Altura. Altura is a gaming NFT platform that is pioneering the concept of smart non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Currently, NFTs are boring and just a still image, description, and title; however, smart NFTs have properties that can change. For instance, a video game sword that gets stronger as you use it in-game or an in-game pet that evolves over time. Altura provides the tools for developers to integrate NFTs within their video game.
Additionally, Altura creates NFT loot boxes that use Chainlink to provide verifiable randomness when unlocking the loot box. Finally, Altura has launched one of the most powerful NFT marketplaces in crypto for creating Smart NFTs. The ALU token is used as one of the currencies in the marketplace as well as the developers.
3. Do you feel your THINK Global School education did a good job preparing you for the projects you are working on currently? If so, how?
TGS prepared me for the projects I am currently working on by vetting me through the crazy process required in making a project. It helped me understand how to deal with the ups and downs and keep going forward no matter what. It also gave me the first stepping stone on what it means to create. Without the TGS experience, I believe there would be barriers regarding how I think about my creationary freedom and how I apply it.
4. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
Five years from now, I should be 24 with a completed engineering degree. I see myself working on various projects and being free with my life (taking all the opportunities I can handle). I would also like to potentially start working in a mining company to better understand how the on-earth mining industry operates before I start my space mining company.
5. Do you have any advice you would like to pass on to current or prospective THINK Global School students?
Surround yourself with people that support and care for you. Once you have that, take risks and do what you love because you will have all the support necessary to bring you back up no matter what.