Tell us about yourself and how are you involved with FIRST?
Hello! My name is Allie and I’m a senior at Holy Names Academy in Seattle. I’ve been on Reign Robotics, FRC Team 5588 for all of my time in high school (the past 3 years). Last year I was one of three engineering leads, and this year I’m our Director of Engineering, overseeing all of the manufacturing and design elements of the season. I’ve been the operator of our robot at competitions for the past two years, and I also CAD for the team. I feel like I’ve been building stuff forever, so I’m really appreciative of the opportunity to pursue manufacturing in FIRST.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
My time in the FIRST program is the reason I want to study engineering in college. Before robotics, I knew I loved math and the STEM field, but I wasn’t sure where my true passions were. I used to just build things out of cardboard boxes, but FIRST has given me the resources and experience to pursue more sophisticated means of creating. I’m getting into woodworking and 3D printing as personal projects, and the skills I learn in FIRST allow me to make my visions into reality. During my time in FIRST I’ve grown in so many ways, but some that stand out to me are my leadership, my attention to detail, and my practical knowledge.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
During the Crescendo build season, Reign decided to create a custom chassis. At this time, I was just starting to learn CAD, and it felt like I was thrown into the deep end with the scale and intense timing of the project. It was a huge adjustment because of the conceptual and math-heavy elements I wasn’t expecting, but I got to see a completely different side of engineering. After the tough learning curve, I started to really enjoy CAD, and over the summer I learned multiple different software’s and started experimenting on my own. Now, as Director of Engineering, I oversee the design team, and I get to share my passions with new students.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
While the FIRST program is a great opportunity for everyone to participate in robotics, it is still a very male dominated environment. As a member of an all-girls team, we feel the difference in energy between our practices and competitions. I believe that the true importance for girls in FIRST is the community between the women who aren’t afraid to take up the space they deserve, and the role models they become for each new generation of FRC participants. I’m so proud that as a leader of Reign, I get to be a role model and help show all of the girls in FRC that an all-girls team can not only survive, but thrive.
What are your goals for the future?
I’m not sure what type of engineering I want to do yet, but I do know that I want to find a career where I can be hands-on through the entire process of building something. I love the idea of designing something and then being able to follow that all the way through creation like I can in FIRST, so whatever I end up doing I want it to involve that.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
Don’t be afraid of the boys. They might be unhelpful and annoying sometimes, but they’re going to be there anyway, and you can’t let them stop you from pursuing your passions. If you let them stop you, you’re letting them win. Also, try new things! STEAM is a very broad field, and there are infinite ways to get involved beyond what you know in middle school. Never feel restricted from trying something new because you “think you’re bad at it” (especially math).
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
I do! My mom is my biggest role model. She’s a pilot, and the company she works for is incredibly male dominated. However, she’s not afraid to advocate for herself and her female coworkers, and the number of things she’s able to balance while still being kind and a great mom are two of the things I love about her. She’s confident, doesn’t take nonsense, and she’s always encouraged me and my brother to pursue our passions. She’s always in my corner, and she empowers me to reach for the skies.
Do you know a student, alumni, mentor, volunteer or sponsor with a great story?
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