At Hack the North 2025, held at the University of Waterloo, students showcased a future-forward approach to software development by leveraging collaborative, AI-powered tools, particularly through the integration of Graphite. The hackathon emphasized the importance of equipping emerging talent with the resources necessary for advancing software engineering, as demonstrated by the Graphite Dream Team award, which celebrated excellence in both technical execution and teamwork. The winning project, Tango, highlighted the potential of AI-assisted development by using voice commands to manage clipboard content, exemplifying innovative collaboration and technical prowess. Participants also explored AI-enhanced tools like GitHub Copilot and Windsurf, while Graphite provided a platform for structured code reviews, ensuring the reliability and quality of AI-generated code. Workshops at the event further reinforced the significance of combining AI assistance with human oversight, fostering a new generation of adaptable and thoughtful engineers ready to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape.