Tell us about yourself and how you are involved with FIRST?
My name is Lillie, and I am currently on an FTC team in Northwest Montana. This will be my third season on RoboScout Squad, and I will be a sophomore. Before joining this team, I was on an FLL team throughout middle school, which was a great experience that prepared me for FIRST Tech Challenge. On my current team, I am the Chief Engineer, 3D Printing and CAD specialist, and a driver. I have a lot of responsibilities because last year there were only five girls on our team, and in addition to that, only three of us were able to make it to the World Championships, so it’s hard not to be involved in every aspect of our team.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST has helped me accomplish my goals by allowing me to pursue robotics and STEM activities. It truly offers the best opportunity to engage in a STEM-related program in my area. Almost everything is limited in Northwest Montana, whether it’s grocery shopping or academic opportunities, except for the outdoors and nature. That is definitely not limited, but robotics opportunities are. In addition, our team is all girls, which even further allows me to fully immerse myself in robotics in a supportive environment. This is crucial for me to accomplish my goals, as I hope to have a career in astrophysics in the future and robotics is the best extracurricular to prepare me for that path and to nurture my interests. I am forever grateful for FIRST being able to support me and my ambitions.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
As I have touched on already, my team is small and that means that my teammates and I work extra hard to manage all aspects of our team and accomplish everything that needs to get finished in a season. This presents a challenge, but it also allows us to explore different focuses. I get to build our robot, drive, build speeches and presentations, acquire sponsors, 3D model, code, plan events, research, write blogs, and more! I get the fullest robotics experience!
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
FIRST is important for females because it allows us to know we are not alone in the world of STEM. It can be a daunting environment with plenty of challenges, but being able to see fellow women sharing your goals and aspirations can be infinitely inspiring. I love knowing that I have women to support me in any situation or career. FIRST is working to empower and inspire, which can change a young girl’s viewpoint on her entire life, career, or hobbies. Women need to know that it is possible to pursue anything and that they have the capabilities to do so!
What are your goals for the future?
In the future, I would like to pursue a STEM degree and career in astrophysics or any other field, but in the near future, I am working to be a leader on my robotics team. Even though I’m only a sophomore, this year I am officially the most experienced member of my team! We are constantly working to expand our team and recruit more girls, so I need to be a leader who is willing to teach, help, inspire, and support my new teammates. I want to be like some of the girls who taught me everything I know when it comes to robotics. They changed my outlook on robotics and my future by simply being supportive, encouraging, and kind. I want to be that kind of girl for new recruits and be the best teammate I can be!
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
My biggest pieces of advice are to NEVER GIVE UP and pursue what you love! If you love STEAM and want to be involved in those fields, do that! You can do anything you set your mind to, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Doing what you love is the most important thing in life. That is what allows you to truly live and enjoy life. Don’t let anything stop you and your aspirations. You can do it, girl!
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
My role model in life is my mom. She shows me how to be the best person I can be! My mom has worked in male-dominated fields, and she will work hard to accomplish anything. She has an incredible work ethic, compassion, strength, dedication, intelligence, and more. I look to her constantly, and I can’t wait to show her what I accomplish in the future!
Do you know a student, alumnus, mentor, volunteer, or sponsor with a great story?
Click here to nominate your favorite #FIRSTLikeAGirl to tell her story!