I first acknowledged myself as a Maker through after school extracurricular activities: Science Olympiad and Robotics. As a Maker and an educator, this was the place where I wanted to extend my abilities and create a community. I wanted to give back to the organizations that truly made me the Maker I am today.
I was fortunate enough to be able to work with Reagan Early College High School's First Technical Challenge Robotics Team #5764 The Blue Sabers. This robotics team was an interesting assortment of sophomores, juniors, and seniors experiencing different stages in life. Some kids came from stable households and others didn't. Some were part of the "popular" group while others weren't. These kids were all very unique but the things that brought them together were their interest in robotics, their competitiveness, and their creativity. I am so grateful that Reagan is able to support this type of community. Outside of this extracurricular activity, which is free for the students to participate in, many wouldn't have had the opportunity to experience Making anywhere else. 88% of the students attending Reagan are economically disadvantaged. Their families have to finance necessities before curiosities that could spark their child's interest in STEAM. |
FTC Team 5764 from Fall 2018 to Spring 2019
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Though being able to offer this experience to students after school is amazing, many students cannot attend after school programs because they have to work in order to keep the lights on at home or they have to take care of their siblings. This is why I am so passionate about bringing Making into the classroom. Being a FTC Coach was an amazing experience but I want to give all of my students the same access to making as my robotics kiddos.