Tell us about yourself. How are you involved with FIRST?
Hi, my name is Carson, and I am a freshman Park Scholar at NC State University, studying business administration. I am an alum of FRC Team 2642, the Pitt Pirates. I also participated in FTC team 13735 the PiRates for four years and volunteered throughout all levels of FIRST programs.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST taught me many crucial skills, providing me with unique opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Whether it be leadership skills, public speaking, or problem-solving, every day on Pitt Pirates I was honing in on these skills. I can now utilize that foundation in college, and I can thank FIRST for giving me the skills and confidence I needed to get to this point and encouraging me to continue seeking new challenges.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
One challenge I recall is dealing with conflict. When you put 45 high school kids together and give them leadership it is evident you will run into disagreements and conflict. In my experience this conflict was how to lay out the presentations or essays, others may have different experiences. My mentors created a space where this was okay and taught us how to work through this. I am thankful they encouraged us to voice our opinions and engage in conversations to overcome those conflicts as it taught us how to be better collaborators and teammates.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
FIRST is a community where everyone has equal opportunity and everyone is supported. I have never been in another organization where every single person is so comfortable and engaged. This community is important for girls because that is not always the case in the STEM world. Our ideas are not always valued, skills go unrecognized, and our role is at times deemed necessary. But FIRST changes that, and gives girls the space and opportunities to grow and thrive when they get to the workforce they have the confidence to rewrite the narrative.
What are your goals for the future?
I am currently studying Business Administration, with the goal of having a marketing concentration. FIRST taught me the importance of spreading a message. Through community events, award presentations, and our marketing efforts I found a passion for creating change and spreading that message. I hope to continue advocating for access to STEM education and create a career where I am able to spread the message of positive change.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
My advice would be to start now, and run with it. When I was in middle school I dreamed of being an engineer, so I joined a robotics team. As a freshman in college, I no longer want to be an engineer, yet I want to support other women who have that dream. I joined the Pitt Pirates and found a new passion that I may have never found otherwise. So don’t be scared to join, and just see where it takes you.
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
One woman I look up to is Ann McClung! Ann was my mentor for 6 years, and continues to be a role model for me everyday. She challenged me, supported me, and most importantly believed in me. Ann gave me responsibilities that at the time seemed daunting, but now looking back I realize they were challenges she knew I could handle and would allow me to grow. Ann always greets you with a smile and is looking for a way she can help. She truly loves all things STEM and wants to give every student and opportunity to experience that joy for themselves.
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!