I first heard of the Young Inventor Challenge from my teacher, Mrs. McNamara. Our class assignment was to create a board game and we worked on it in my school. I was sure it would be an amazing experience. I was totally right. 

Before I could make my game, I had to think of ideas. I brainstormed a lot. My two old dogs had recently passed away and so it was hard to think of anything else. I decided I wanted to honor them and make a game about dogs. To make my prototype I used a lot of different things I found around my house, like dice, figurines, tablemats, and cardboard boxes. My sister and I are always making up our own games so I just played with her until I thought of something. I hid the dog and my sister had to figure out where it was. I made clues for her. We played over and over again until the game made sense. I played with my family, and got feedback on what could make it better. Then, my favorite part, testing my game and making changes. I made many changes like adding special items, and the game got better. I made sure I had every detail. I play tested with so many friends and family. After that, I had to write the product description and directions for my game. This part was fun because I love board games and didn’t ever think about how someone wrote all the information on the game to make people want to play. Finally, I created my trifold board for the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. 

Then on November 8th, 2025, I went to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. It was time. I set up my trifold board and game. I was interviewed for a podcast called Innovation World. I really appreciated this opportunity. The hosts were named Maxwell and Aarin and they were so supportive of me and my game. Then, it was time for judging. All the judges were really nice and seemed interested in my game. After 7 judges came to my table, I was done. I walked around the toy and game fair and saw so many cool toys. I saw Darth Vader too. My favorite toy was Magnetic Monorail. Then it was time for awards. I never expected to win, so when they called, Most Innovative, Eleanor Wyskiel, Dog Gone, I was very shocked and then extremely proud and happy. I also loved standing on stage with some of my best friends who also won awards. The Young Inventor Challenge might have been the best day of my life. I didn’t realize that the opportunities were just beginning. 

After the Young Inventor Challenge I qualified to apply for the Genspiration Prize and Student Showcase for the National Academy of Inventors. I needed to show how my game could help people in the future. My game is for everyone and can significantly help people with ADHD. My game teaches skills to improve working memory, planning, organization, focus, and awareness. I showed that my game could solve a problem and benefit society. 

I was invited to the Student Showcase in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) conference in Los Angeles. I was so excited. Soon, it was June 2nd, 2026, the day of the conference. I was able to speak with Eric Haseltine, the former head of research and development for Walt Disney Imagineering, former director of research for the National Security Agency, and neuroscientist. One of the things I learned from his mentorship is that if you are not encountering obstacles, you are not trying hard enough. He was very inspiring. I also saw speakers from West Point Academy. Then I presented my game. I talked to so many amazing people, and everyone was so interested in learning about my game. I talked with researchers, doctors, veterinarians, neuroscientists, and professors. They all said so many nice things, and it made me feel extremely proud. All of the student inventions were incredible, like creating a wrist exoskeleton or creating a virtual reality that helps with brain surgeries. It was an experience I will never, ever forget. I also got to see so many great things in Los Angeles like the Getty Villa, Malibu, Venice, Caltech, USC, Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory, the La Brea Tar Pits, and Hollywood. The conference was in the same place they have the Oscars! From the mountains to the beach L.A was astonishing. 

I was also invited to appear on Fox and CBS Chicago News. When they invited me, I couldn’t believe it. It was really amazing to see the behind the scenes at a news studio. The news reporter, Jackie, was so nice and she really loves my game. It was amazing to actually be interviewed on live tv. I loved participating in the Young Inventor Challenge and I am so thankful for all of the opportunities. My advice for anyone who would like to make a game is to not be afraid to make mistakes and to have fun. Your failures will take you somewhere you’ve never thought of.