Name: Alicia Albrecht
Team: The Robettes 2177
Role: Electrical Subteam, Captain
Years involved with FIRST: 2
1) Personally, FIRST has helped me in my math and science classes. I grasp concepts quicker and having problem solving skills which have increased. I have also met a lot of people associated with the FIRST program that have impacted my life in a positive way and have inspired me to go onto college (i was always going to) for the role of engineering. Being a girl, and on an all girls team, it has provided me with new courage to not back down to what I believe.
2) Our community, FIRST has been spread by The Robettes to other girls in our all girls high school, to those whom observed us in the mini - regional at the MN State Fair last summer, and all middle schoolers around Mendota Heights that we have visited. The Robettes have held a summer school to recruit new members for our team for this year but we opened it up to all members of Visitation High School. We also use our knowledge from FIRST to mentor our own schools Lego League Team, the Kobotz.
3) Our school has been positivly affected by the FIRSt program. In our school, schoolwork and technology has always been a big deal but the Robotics program has made it ok for girls to go into the fields of STEM. We feel strongly that because of our team, we have inspired our school to offer many classes that have Robotics oriented themes. Computer Science, started last year by the members of the Robotics Team, and coming next year, an intro to engineering class.
4a) The Robettes have contacted Govenor Tim Pawlenty. We carefully crafted a letter to ask for the continued funding for Minnesota Public Schools in the areas of science and technology. We did recieve conformation that he will take this seriously and bring it up in his next meeting with other officials. We recieved a certificate back. This was very important to our school and team because without all schools participating in the FIRST Robotics Family, it would become nonexsistent.
4b) In addition to accepting our request to promote funding, he did have to decline coming down to our workspace to see our robot and to meet our team due to schedule problems. However, he was deemed a honorary Robette.
5) FIRST is a family, it grows people stronger in the areas of math and science. It helps everyone confide in one another and build a sense of confidence that can only come from the adreniline rush on the field of competition. It is a great academic sport and it is made better by all participants and support.
Good luck with your project and I hope this helps. Feel free to email me if you need anything else:
amariealbrecht@yahoo.com