Tell us about yourself and how are you involved with FIRST?
My name is Delaney Kintz and I am on team 5115 out of Windsor High School in Windsor, Colorado. This is the second season I will be in FIRST. Last season I enjoyed my experience and I can’t wait for this year. Being a part of such a large community that involves people from around the world allowed me to meet many others and learn about different cultures within FIRST. My role as a FIRST participant on my team involves designing our portfolio, posters, and table setups. I am also in charge of recruiting girls for our team. I love to come up with creative designs for everything we use at competitions.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST has allowed me to learn so much about engineering. I never thought that I would join a program like robotics, but I am so glad that I did! I have learned about using new tools and I have learned a lot about working with a team. I have been able to improve my leadership skills and my ability to collaborate with others. This experience has also allowed me to increase my public speaking skills. I used to struggle to talk in front of people, but after practicing and presenting in front of judges at FIRST competitions, my confidence has grown.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
A special experience I remember from a FIRST event was when my team won the Inspire award at our first qualifier. This was such an amazing moment because it showed that all of our hard work had paid off. It was also special because a majority of that award was the portfolio and presentation. Being a first-year participant I had worried about if I was doing enough and by winning this award my work was recognized.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
I believe FIRST is very important for females because it allows us to participate in a heavily male-dominated field without being judged. As the number of females increases, the impact we have on the community grows. The FIRST program also allows females to learn a lot about engineering and eventually go on to work in that field. The influence of FIRST will increase the number of females in engineering in general.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future within FIRST include qualifying for worlds this year! I would love for my team to be able to go and get that experience. Outside of FIRST, I want to go to college and major in psychology and criminal justice. I would love to work to understand why people act the way they do and hopefully reduce crime rates in our societies. FIRST has taught me the speaking and teamwork skills I will need to accomplish these goals, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
If I could give one piece of advice to younger girls entering the STEAM field, I would say to not be afraid. This is a heavily male-dominated field but that doesn’t mean girls cannot thrive. I would tell them to just be themselves and do what they enjoy without worrying about what others may think.
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
I do not have one specific role model within the STEAM field; however, I do look up to many women in the field who have overcome challenges and faced diversity throughout their lives. Many females have been put down and told they will not succeed, but they continue to fight, and the outcomes are fantastic.
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!