Teen Inventor Turns Daily Problem Into Prize-Winning Solution   

• Many people become frustrated when several tissues come out at once while opening a new box. To fix that tiny but familiar inconvenience, Um Ju-yeon, a first-year student at Daejeon Eoeun Middle School, created the “Tissue Box That Neatly Dispenses the First Sheet.” Her idea earned the Prime Minister’s Award at the 46th National Student Science Invention Contest. When asked what helped her come up with such an impressive invention, Um explained that she carefully observes daily life to spot inconveniences worth solving. Watching people struggle with tissue boxes made her curious whether she could improve them. After several rounds of testing and redesign, she developed a model that dispenses tissue sheets cleanly and separately. She also offered advice to other young inventors: stay observant, keep trying, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. “Ideas can come from the smallest moments in daily life,” she said proudly. Blair For The Junior Times junior/1760056312/1613367853