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| Left to Right: GSSI Director of Membership Tamika Coats with Akayla H., Jordan S., and Diavion B of the Robotic Gems |
GSSI staff were honored to have a Q&A session with three members of the Robotics Gems, who were featured in United Way of Greater St. Louis' 2013 fundraising campaign that included a widely-viewed video, social media promotions, as well as posters and billboards placed throughout the greater metro area.
Each year, GSSI hosts a staff campaign in support of the various United Ways throughout its 40 1/2 county jurisdiction. As part of this year's events, DiAvion B., Akayla H., Jordan S. and several of their family members paid a visit to GSSI's Corporate Service Center on Oct. 22, where they also connected to staff at the Regional Service Center in Mt. Vernon via web conference.
The three girls shared their experiences as a first-year Girl Scout robotics team, how they learned to work together as a team and what it was like being in the spotlight due to the United Way feature.
Last year's Robotic Gems squad was made up of five Girl Scouts from Avant Elementary School in Washington Park. Although the girls were in the same class, they did not know each other well before joining the robotics team. This year, the girls have moved on different middle schools, but have committed time in their busy schedules to serve as mentors and teammates for a new Girl Scout Robotics team at Avant School.
"The robotics program changed how I think about how you can help other people and chance the world," said Akayla, who plans for a future that involves law and engineering.
"Being a team brought friendship between all of us," said Diavion. "Now we know how to get to know new people."
"I think we're all leaders," added Jordan.
The Robotic Gems will compete in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) tournament at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon on Dec. 7. The theme of this year's FLL challenge is "Nature's Fury." Learn more about FLL.
