Spring 2023 Inspire Discovery

Team Spotlight

spring 2023 | discover

Medusa Serpentine, FTC #12565

• Medusa Serpentine is a FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) team from Incarnate Word Academy. • This is their second year competing in FTC! • Their team is made up of 15 Girl Scouts in 9th-12th grades. Team Accomplishments: Medusa Serpentine has been extremely busy this season with community outreach, mentoring other teams, and more! Here are some of the things they’ve been up to: • Medusa Serpentine mentors a FIRST® Global robotics team from Lesotho, Africa. In their weekly peer mentor meetings, they offer guidance, debrief competitions, and discuss robotics with this team from across the world. • In collaboration with the NASA STEM Learning Pathways, Medusa Serpentine prepared and delivered Artemis Rocket Launch STEM Project Kits to 350 students. • In October, they managed an End Period Poverty drive at Incarnate Word Academy collecting items for Epworth Children & Family Services. • Using a 3D printer, Medusa Serpentine made and donated over 100 face shields and mask protectors to first responders in November. In Their Words: What is your favorite part of Girl Scout robotics and FIRST® Tech Challenge? • “This is my second year doing robotics. The first year I was so scared to talk to people. As I’ve grown and learned more, I’ve gotten really confident and am able to talk to people. We do a lot of outreach activities and it’s great to know that people are so nice and like to help. People also give great advice and are really helpful.” – Sophia How do your team, mentors, and coaches support you? • “Our coach always pushes me and it shows me that I can. When I finally achieve it, there is a euphoria of being able to accomplish it. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her!” –Erika How do you envision robotics impacting your life? • “It will help with working better with people because it’s important to work well with others in robotics. I’m also doing something I don’t normally get to do.” – Rebecca What advice would you share with girls interested in robotics? • “Even when you fail or make a mistake, just keep trying. It can usually be fixed. Don’t give up!” – Davonne

Inspire Discovery Spring 2023 13