Tell us about yourself. How are you involved with FIRST?
We are Erika and Sophia, and our collaborative journey in FIRST Robotics began four years ago as founding members of Medusa Robotics. It is important to note that we feel that we cannot be separated. Our partnership exemplifies a powerful collaboration that highlights the significance of unity and support in our shared mission. Together, we embody the values and goals of the initiative, making our combined efforts essential to the impact and message of the FIRSTLikeAGirl blog.
Our involvement with FIRST started in our freshman year, where we each took on distinct yet complementary roles. Erika initially joined the mechanical department, focusing on prototyping the robot and developing the chassis. Meanwhile, Sophia became part of the business department, where she concentrated on securing sponsorships and conducting outreach initiatives.
As we progressed into our fourth year with FIRST, our roles have evolved significantly. Erika now leads our Safety department, where she is responsible for creating mental health and weather protection kits to ensure the well-being of our team members. Sophia serves as our second Team Captain, overseeing fundraising efforts such as our monthly Coffee Bar, and she plays a key role in designing our engineering portfolio and pit layout. Together, we continue to contribute to the growth and success of our team, embodying the spirit of collaboration that FIRST promotes.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
Sophia’s involvement in FIRST has enhanced her practical STEM education and developed her leadership skills. As team captain, she has encountered pivotal moments that challenged her ability to lead. However, she does not back down from a problem. Instead, she works with her teammates to develop a plan and accomplish her goals. FIRST has also allowed Sophia to gain a well-rounded education in STEM that she applies to her classes at Incarnate.
Erika’s involvement in FIRST has taught her so many valuable lessons. FIRST has gotten Erika out of her social circle and taught her how to create social connections outside of Incarnate Word. It has also taught her to be versatile in her fields. Being a mechanical lead last year taught her many things about mechanics and leadership, and now she is a safety captain and helps with the business. She has learned that there are benefits to knowing as much as you can across many fields, which will be beneficial to her education outside of highschool.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
Erika and Sophia partnered with CBC for its new initiative, the STEMathon, an event designed to engage students in STEM education through mentorship and problem-solving. Along with other CBC and St. Joe students, they attended a training session at CBC to familiarize themselves with the event’s goals and gain the necessary skills. The participants were then divided into teams and assigned to mentor students at elementary schools across the St. Louis area. Over five weeks, each girl worked closely with her assigned school, meeting weekly to guide the students in developing solutions for reducing anxiety in children who have to undergo surgery.
Sophia’s team, working at St. Joe Cottleville, proposed the creation of an app aimed at helping young children manage pre-surgery anxiety. Erika’s team, assigned to Blessed Teresa Calcutta developed a book aimed at educating and empowering young children about procedures they would be undertaking. Despite the unforeseen challenges and the intensity of the initiative, both girls dedicated their time, effort, and resources to supporting their teams in achieving success.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
FIRST is incredibly important for females because it empowers them with the resources, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in fields that have historically been male-dominated, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). By offering hands-on experiences in robotics, coding, engineering, and problem-solving, FIRST encourages girls to explore their interests, break through gender stereotypes, and see themselves as capable leaders and innovators.
Beyond just technical skills, FIRST fosters critical soft skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience, which are essential in any career. For females, these experiences are precious in challenging societal norms that often underrepresent women in STEM fields. By participating in FIRST, young women gain exposure to high-level STEM concepts and become part of a supportive, diverse community that champions inclusivity and collaboration.
Moreover, FIRST provides an invaluable platform for girls to build self-confidence, take on leadership roles, and inspire others to pursue careers in STEM. The visibility of successful female role models within the program encourages more young women to see STEM as a path that is open and welcoming to them, helping to address the gender gap in these fields.
What are your goals for the future?
Erika plans to attend undergraduate school as an business major on a pre-law track. Her goal is to go to law school and become a lawyer. Sophia plans to attend undergraduate school as a Biochemistry major on a pre-dentistry track. Her goal is to go to dentistry school and become an orthodontist with her own practice.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
Sophia’s advice: Just show up. One day is all it takes. Show up to the event you’re interested in, learn more about it, and then decide if it’s meant for you. Don’t write anything off without experiencing it first.
Erika’s advice: You can do it! It may be daunting and seemingly impossible and it may seem like it is unattainable, but you’ve got this. The things that are most worth it take the most patience and time, and you deserve the wins!!
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
Erika and Sophia’s role model is their coach, Mrs. Martin. Mrs. Martin has taught us the importance of being a woman in STEM and serving as a role model for younger generations. For example, although Mrs. Martin provides guidance for our team, she makes sure our teammates are still the ones leading, and not her. Her ability to step back and allow students to take charge helps produce strong, independent leaders who are prepared for the future leadership roles. Furthermore, Mrs. Martin has helped us create and find numerous outreach events, such as STEM Ambassadors or the CBC STEMathon, that introduce young children to the realm of STEM. The impact that Mrs. Martin’s teaching has had on both Sophia and Erika is vast, and we are both prepared to carry her lessons with us into college and our future careers!
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