[alisonap]

I have been a part of the FIRST Robotics community since I was in fourth grade and this year I will be participating in 5th year of FRC as a junior in high school. Robotics has proven to be a place for me to find comfort and fun regardless of my gender, but it isn't always easy.

For me, the biggest support to stay with the team and engineering has been the older female students taking me under their wing and pushing me to do my best. Now that I have been a part of this community for a couple of years, I'm trying to do that for future female engineers.

Each girl (and boy) should have a mentor or returning student to turn to. I encourage everyone to find someone to become a mentor for and listen to all of their opinions.