Robotics Team

Seniors Abbey Valentine, Beth Borgmeyer, and sophomore Gillian Cruz gather around robots to discuss ideas and brainstorm in the new robotics room. (Photo by Taylor Spies)

For a video about the robotics team, go to lejournallive.com (Video by Selena Hunter)

Robotics Team Inspires Future Engineers

Robotics molds team members’ future careers and solidifies interests.

BY TAYLOR SPIES REPORTER

Robotics. When the word is spoken in the halls, degree of engineering, so you’re not limited by knowing it seems to be enunciated with caution, rising specific knowledge,” Valentine said. “So you get more job up at the end, making robotics sound less like a opportunities.” statement and more like a question. If you dare Sophomore Gillian Cruz has also proven to be to delve further, and ask someone what exactly robotics is, dedicated, rising to the position of co-captain although there’s usually a moment of silence where eyes widen like a she’s only been on the team for two years. deer caught in headlights, before haltingly explaining that She joined the club as a way to make a name for herself the team, you know, builds robots and stuff. at Sion and accomplished just that, as well as making a

However, Sion’s robotics team is much more than group of friends. just building robots. This year, robotics team is focusing “Now anybody who knows me at Sion knows I do more on engineering, which entails a different method of robotics,” Cruz said. approaching and solving problems. Cruz’s main job on the team is programming. She

“I think ultimately this way of thinking like an works on writing codes for the prototyping teams so they engineer is going to benefit the girls in most anything can test their robots. that they do. It’s a good way to conduct a meeting, a good Although Cruz is only a sophomore, she has also found way to approach a project, whether it’s building a robot or that mechanical engineering is right for her, following the something for English class. It’s a different procedure,” team footsteps of her grandfather. co-sponsor Marilyn Stewart said. “I discovered this field of engineering. There’s so

Senior Abbey Valentine shares a similar story, aiming much stuff I already enjoy, it’s a great community, and my for a career in engineering and using robotics team as a grandfather’s a double engineer as well,” Cruz said. “I just way to develop this passion. Both Valentine and senior really thought that it was right for me. I just really felt it.” Beth Borgmeyer helped make the team what it is today, When the topic of engineering was brought up, bringing it to the next level in terms of competitiveness and Borgmeyer’s face immediately broke into a smile. “I’ve fresh ideas. always been into engineering,” she said.

“I definitely was a big part of its upcoming,” Valentine Her eyes focus on something else as she reminisces said. about her childhood, explaining that she was first

A fourth grade teacher was the first to introduce her inspired to become an engineer by her father, who is an to STEM careers; however, it was a field her middle school environmental engineer. didn’t put much emphasis on. “I started to realize my personality was really similar

Valentine was further encouraged to pursue her to my dad’s,” she said and recounted the time he came to interests by her parents. They sent her to various camps her career day at school, his occupation capturing her and programs where she learned the basics of robotics and attention even in second grade. engineering, even having mock competitions much like the As stage manager of the musical for the past two years, ones the robotics team goes to now. Borgmeyer’s passion for theater has also influenced her

Robotics also impacts her life at Sion, especially with future plans. the recent changes in the team. “The dream job would be engineering to build sets on

“We’re learning more about the engineering process Hollywood or Broadway,” Borgmeyer said. and how to do something properly from planning to She has accomplished the first step closer towards her building to testing,” Valentine said. dream by being accepted for architectural engineering at

Valentine is choosing to follow her passion by planning Missouri University of Science and Technology. on attending Kansas State University for mechanical Robotics team has undoubtedly helped guide her engineering. towards college and deciding a major. But when asked

Her quiet voice and animated hands describe her about it, she shrugs humbly. future and express her passion. “I’m more ready for what my future holds,” she said.

“Mechanical engineering is kind of the broad “And it’s part of my legacy here.”