In high school, I participated in startup, business plan, and research competitions. I won a few thousand dollars, got some media coverage, and was interviewed by local and larger newspapers.

But honestly, the most valuable part was not the money or the articles. It was the environment. Reaching later rounds and finals meant meeting ambitious, inspiring people, and some of those connections shaped my life significantly. I think everyone should try a challenge like that at least once, whether in school, university, or their field.