Tell us about yourself and how are you involved with FIRST?
My name is Marin, I am a senior in high school and this season will be my second but final year in FTC as a student. Although I haven’t done FTC for too long, I have done other robotics related activities in the past. I started FTC when I was a junior in high school after finding out about FIRST during a middle school band concert. I have been the lead coder for all the time I have been in FIRST.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST has helped me in accomplishing my goals in life in several different ways. Like most people, I have always had trouble with speaking in front of crowds. No amount of preparation or mind exercises could help me surmount such an obstacle. Through FIRST, I have found a community of like minded people that have allowed me time and grace to simply be myself. It is through that that I have gained a confidence that has helped me find ways to simply speak without fear of judgment. The welcoming and uplifting nature of the organization that celebrates our similarities as well as our differences allows for courage that may not have otherwise been discovered. Also, from a practical application point of view, I have gained so much knowledge in coding and have gained immeasurable experience in my interactions with the mentors and people we get to work with through FIRST.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
My first experience with robotics was through an enrichment class I attended through the homeschool community. I was one of two girls in the entire class, and once groups were formed, I was the only female in my group. My voice was not heard, my opinions not valued, my ideas ignored. So, regardless of my ideas on how to solve the problem, I was resigned into silence. Thankfully I found FTC and have been welcomed and encouraged in my pursuit of knowledge. I am still finding my voice, but now am able to do so in a safe environment that allows me to express myself without fear. I have found that my ideas have value and deserve discussion and elaboration. I will always be thankful for the environment of acceptance and optimism.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
I think that FIRST is important for females because it provides a safe and encouraging environment to not only be yourself right now but also to become a woman in STEM. Sometimes female voices are drowned out by their male counterparts. Our ideas are sometimes not valued and we are oftentimes underestimated in our abilities. The inclusionary aspect of FIRST allows females a level of comfort in what is still a highly male dominated field. This translates into a confidence that allows a continuance in robotics that can be difficult to maintain otherwise. #FIRSTLikeAGirl is one of the many great things that comes from FIRST and is particularly important for providing girls wanting to get into robotics with a community of other girls with similar ideas but also important because it shows boys that girls can do whatever they can.
What are your goals for the future?
After graduating, I’m planning to help my robotics team as a mentor or volunteer. FIRST has helped me see that I might want to do something with my coding skills in the future. I plan on going into the art or music field but will keep FTC close to my heart.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
If I could give the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields one piece of advice, I would tell them to just start. The first step is usually the hardest, joining your first robotics team for example, especially in male dominated fields such as robotics. I believe that overcoming obstacles builds strength and resilience and in turn will aid in continuing in all aspects of life when difficulties arise. If they could just start what they want to accomplish, they can see that it isn’t as bad as they may have first thought.
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
My top role model in general is my mother. She is not only kind and extremely smart, but she also stands her ground. She doesn’t let many opinions affect her and I want to be just like her in that aspect. She’s helped me with so much and I truly wouldn’t be where I am now without her guidance. I am part of FTC right now because of her, and I wouldn’t have even tried robotics if it wasn’t for her. My mother is the best role model that I could truly ever have.
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!