Tell us about yourself and how you are involved with FIRST?
My name is Sarah Morales, and I am a senior at Dimmitt High School. Since my sophomore year, I have been the team captain of the Anatronic Kats, an all-girl team from Dimmitt, Texas. I first became involved in FIRST during my freshman year, and since then have dedicated almost all of my time to robotics and improving as an individual and as a team.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST has helped me to achieve my goals by presenting me with endless opportunities to improve my knowledge in leadership, competition, and most importantly, STEM. Entering robotics helped me come out of my shell and make new friends, increase my knowledge of STEM technologies, and develop a support system that could help me improve as a student and leader.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
A particular challenge that has stayed with me since it was faced was when my team was set aside at the FTC Texas State Championship solely because we are an all-girl team. After having advanced past the preliminary rounds, we were having difficulty finding potential alliance partners for the semi-finals. In multiple instances, while talking to other teams, we were denied partnership immediately upon their realization that we were an all-female team. This blatant prejudice frustrated us, but it also motivated us to prove to them that girls could compete and win. After being chosen as a partner for the 4th seed alliance, we still faced issues with male teams. Our alliance captain and other partners were ignoring our input and ideas for game strategy. With our patience running thin, we channeled our anger into determination and were able to place 3rd at the state championship. After having faced such misogyny at such a large competition, we were motivated to establish a firm place for girls in robotics and ensure that other teams would not have to feel the way we did during such a proud moment.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
FIRST is important for females because of the stimulation it offers our minds. Growing up, young girls were always encouraged to pursue stereotypical ‘female’ careers, and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with pursuing such careers, FIRST offers the opportunity to explore new horizons and fields of study. I think it is important that we, as young women, explore and make a place for ourselves in such male-dominated fields, showcasing how well we can perform and excel!
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future are to attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and pursue a degree in computer science and software engineering. By learning more about technology, programming, and software, I hope to be able to return my newfound knowledge to teams like mine and those in surrounding cities across Texas.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
My advice for the younger generation of girls in STEAM is to never let yourself be put down by others. Each person has their own experience and journey to success, and you should never let your personal beliefs about yourself be tarnished by the negativity of others. Although it was a hard lesson for my team to learn, we embraced the negativity and transformed it into a positive force, and I advise the same for all young women who will inevitably face challenges in their journeys to success!
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
A woman that I always have and always will look up to is my sister, Karla. Starting with her amazing effort to excel in high school, my sister graduated salutatorian of her class and continued on to college, where she pursued her degree in business. She has always posed as an amazing academic role model, but also inspires me in the way she carries herself. Although she has faced many difficulties in her life and in school, she has always remained strong and confident in her abilities. As her younger sister, I have always looked up to her and hope to one day grow to be the strong and independent woman that she herself has worked hard to become.
Do you know a student, alumnus, mentor, volunteer, or sponsor with a great story?
Click here to nominate your favorite #FIRSTLikeAGirl to tell her story!