Girls Who Code (GWC)
I remember my first project was learning how to make a very basic personality quiz. I had a lot of fun with this project in terms of being able to choose any topic I wanted for the quiz. I have been a fan of Drake for the longest time, so I formed my quiz around his different eras of music. In case you would like to try my personality quiz, here is the link:
GWC is dedicated to creating the largest pipeline of female engineers worldwide. They provide a virtual summer program for high school students to learn coding and make a positive impact in their communities while preparing for a career in the tech industry.
The organization offers two distinct programs. In the 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP), high school students participate in virtual classes that cover a range of topics, from beginner to intermediate computer science concepts to the iterative design process. They also delve into UX design basics and receive an introduction to the tech industry.
Alternatively, the Self-Paced Program allows high school students to explore web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, they can dive into more advanced applications of Python, with a particular focus on cybersecurity, or opt for new data science courses. During the Self-Paced Program, students have the flexibility to work at their own pace. They also have the opportunity to build a sense of community through weekly live advisory sessions and engaging activities.
Girls Who Code (GWC) played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as a tech enthusiast and app developer. Through their programs, I gained invaluable skills, a strong foundation in coding, and a sense of empowerment, which ultimately fueled my passion for creating the “Tutorly” app. GWC’s emphasis on learning and community support greatly contributed to the success of my project.
Space cookies team / FRC
Being part of the Space Cookies robotics team was a pivotal moment for me. It was the first time I saw my programming skills come to life in the world of robotics. I distinctly remember the sense of accomplishment when, after numerous trial and error attempts, I successfully programmed a robot to complete the tasks I had in mind. The experience of seeing my code translate into real-world actions was incredibly rewarding and ignited my passion for robotics and technology.
The Space Cookies robotics team includes 66 girls from across the Bay Area in partnership with the NASA Ames Research Center and Girl Scouts of Northern California.
Under the guidance of mentors, students create, construct, and program innovative robots, which they then use to compete in a multitude of events. Alongside the acquisition of valuable engineering skills, students also develop essential life skills, including teamwork, perseverance, effective communication, collaboration, project management, and critical thinking.
The Space Cookies team is an active participant in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). Every January, FRC teams worldwide receive a fresh challenge: to design and construct a 120-pound robot capable of performing a variety of tasks to maximize their point score while competing against other teams. This robot takes part in regional competitions during March and early April and has the potential to advance to championships at the end of April. The team effectively embodies FIRST’s values by promoting STEM within the community and providing mentorship to other teams.
My experience with the Space Cookies robotics team was transformative, providing me with not only technical knowledge but also vital life skills. Working with mentors and fellow team members, I honed my problem-solving abilities and learned the importance of effective communication and teamwork. These experiences with the Space Cookies team were instrumental in my journey to develop the “Tutorly” app, where these skills played a significant role in designing and implementing its features.
FIRST Lego League
Making it to the state level in the FIRST Lego League competition was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was part of a small team, just four of us, and to make it even more special, I was the only girl on the team. The journey was challenging, but it was such a proud moment when we realized that our hard work and determination had paid off. It was a reminder that, regardless of our size or the odds against us, when we work together and stay committed, we can achieve remarkable things.
(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), or FIRST, is a robotics community dedicated to readying young individuals for the future via a range of inclusive, team-oriented robotics programs. These teams adhere to a unique set of FIRST Core Values as they engage in research, fundraising, design, construction, and the presentation of their accomplishments during annual challenges.
This experience was both inspiring and educational. Children acquired the skills to construct autonomous robots, conduct case studies and research, and tap into their creativity to effectively address community problems. With the guidance of their coaching staff, the team worked diligently and managed to create a robot using coding, which subsequently competed in tournaments.
Participating in the FIRST Lego League was an eye-opening experience that instilled in me a deep appreciation for robotics and technology. It was here that I first delved into coding, fostering my passion for innovative solutions. The problem-solving mindset and teamwork I cultivated during my time with FIRST Lego League have been instrumental in my app development journey, enabling me to create the user-friendly and effective “Tutorly” app.