"Participating in the Great SoCal Gingerbread Challenge was a meaningful experience for me, serving as a fun-filled yet enlightening opportunity to interact with a diverse group of professionals and enthusiasts in a unique application of our skills as engineers. The competition provided a refreshingly unique venue for networking with engineers, architects, contractors, and students, allowing us to bridge the gap between different domains and industries while engaging in friendly competition.

The creativity displayed by the teams was a testament to the capabilities and ingenuity inherent in our industry. It was inspiring to witness the transformation of simple gingerbread into structural and architectural marvels, fueling my own drive for creativity. Each structure was a festive interpretation of an iconic SoCal building or a recognizable fictional structure brought to life by a talented team. I was deeply impressed by how teams managed to push the boundaries of what could be achieved with gingerbread and candies in a short amount of time.

The Build Night, which kicked off the holiday season, was a phenomenal experience. Amid the fun and excitement, it served as an engaging way to apply my skills as an engineer in an entirely unique context. Being part of the competition was an enjoyable and rewarding contrast to the demanding nature of our daily responsibilities as engineers. The stress of tight deadlines and rigorous precision gave way to laughter, camaraderie, and the sweet scent of gingerbread. Participating in the Southern California Gingerbread Challenge offered a much-needed departure from the end of year rush as an amazing way to ring in the holiday season."

Matt Michnewich, S.E.
SEAOSC Board Member