My Story
When I was six years old, I attended a summer technology camp and learned about simple machines and building with LEGOs. I loved the camp and attended for the next five years. When I was ten years old, I joined a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team and enjoyed solving challenges. I participated in FLL for five years, serving as lead programmer. I am now in my second year as a member of a FIRST Tech Challenge team, where I have developed my programming skills, as well as gained new skills as a builder and an editor of our engineering notebook. I have dedicated hundreds of hours to spreading STEM education in my community.
This past summer, I helped plan and execute a seven-week program at a local daycare center, where I led children in LEGO activities. It was heartwarming to hear how much the kids enjoyed learning, and one child even said, “I never knew you could do that with LEGOs.” I also co-mentor an FLL Explore team. I show leadership while co-mentoring this team as I make plans for practices, correspond with parents, and work closely with the children to ensure their success. Additionally, I volunteer with a 4-H LEGO club, where I introduce children from a rural area to robotics and STEM activities. Over the past 5 years, I have led hands-on robotics activities at events like agricultural fairs, STEM Festivals, and community events. I am committed to paying forward my STEM opportunities to youth in my community.
My Project
My project will encourage girls in a rural area with limited exposure to engineering to pursue opportunities in STEM by increasing awareness of types of engineering and female role models. It will provide a hands-on activity to increase knowledge of STEM concepts and build confidence in their engineering abilities.