Tell us about yourself and how are you involved with FIRST?
I’m Maria Eduarda, I’m 16 years old and I was born in the countryside of Goiás, a state located in the center-west of Brazil. I got to know FIRST through the teams at my school, took part in the selection of members and started to be part of the team. I started my career at FIRST as a member of the FLL Titans L.J Planalto team and worked mainly in the area of research and innovation. Currently, I’m part of the FTC Team Justice #21036 in the areas of finance, programming and electrical engineering and I intend to continue being involved in FIRST as a mentor and volunteer in the coming seasons.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
Since joining FIRST, many of my perspectives have changed, as I’ve been able to have experiences I never imagined. I’ve been able to develop my skills with digital programs, develop my speech and technical skills, which I’m sure will also be useful in the professional field in the future. In particular, being part of a FIRST team has shaped me as a person and helped me develop relationships with other people. I am very grateful to have had the honor of joining this incredible universe of possibilities and to be able to help other people through these efforts.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
I think the main challenges I faced were in terms of believing in my own potential during this journey, especially at the beginning. I faced many difficulties in terms of shyness when speaking in public and I won’t deny that I was very afraid of failing in the face of the challenges that arose, but little by little I developed and gained more confidence. I didn’t let this stop me because I always made a point of remembering that this was a unique opportunity to make several of my dreams come true. An incredible experience I experienced as a competitor was implementing a project called Sense Brace, which helps hearing-impaired people feel the vibration of music through their body. I implemented this project at CAS (Center for Education and Assistance Professionals for People with Deafness) and it was an unforgettable experience because when I realized that it really impacts lives it was a lovely moment. I know I can still improve, but I’m happy because I’ve already gained a lot of confidence in myself and my potential during the time I’ve been involved in FIRST.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
I’m sure that FIRST is a program that encourages girls to get actively involved in STEAM, in whatever area they prefer, and to have more self-confidence in those areas. I’m proof of that. Participating in FIRST programs has encouraged me to demonstrate my full potential, defend my ideas and persist in what I really want and believe in. What’s more, programs like #FIRSTLikeAGirl is a great encouragement; it’s welcoming to know that we’re not alone on this journey. Before, we knew that STEAM areas were also for us, now we know for sure.
What are your goals for the future?
After finishing my time as a student at FIRST, I intend to continue volunteering in any way I can, even after I graduate from college. I want to stay involved in the project to help more people, teach what I’ve experienced and learn from them.For my future I hope to get involved in work that I already have experience in, perhaps working with mechatronics, as I am a programmer on my team.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
One piece of advice I would give them is to start, even if they are afraid of what might happen, afraid that they won’t be able to do it or that it won’t be for them. Because I’m sure that the experiences they’ll have during their time on the team will give them a whole new view of themselves. Even if things get tough, don’t give up at first, your potential is thousands of times greater than you realize.
One of the phrases I heard from a coach that really struck me was: “FIRST isn’t about playing robots, it’s about going far beyond what you think you can achieve. What is your definition of “beyond”? After this “beyond”, there is certainly another “beyond” that you can conquer. There is a world of possibilities and tomorrow you may achieve what today seems impossible.” I always think about this and I hope that other girls who have a dream similar to mine can take this as a motto for themselves.
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
Yes, although I have many inspirations in the form of incredible women, I would like to mention three mentors from my team in particular who motivate me to keep going. Ana serves as a role model because of her resilience to everything. The motivation and inspiration she gives us with all her attitudes, always showing us what FIRST is, and the essence of her values. This impacts me and makes me want to learn more and more. Isabela serves as a role model because of her creativity, her strength and her attitude to situations. As well as being a great friend and companion, she is also a mentor who inspires and teaches with small details. Her wisdom and willpower make us want to take action and put what we’ve learned into practice. Mariane serves as a role model because of the way she handles things, her dedication and responsibility are exceptional characteristics that are reflected in our work. Having them as mentors is like being lucky enough to win the lottery.
Do you know a student, alumni, mentor, volunteer or sponsor with a great story?
Click here to nominate your favorite #FIRSTLikeAGirl, to tell her story!