"People ask me what’s it like being a girl on a robotics team. My response is, ‘What’s it like being a boy on a robotics team?’"
— 11th grader Lecia Lamb, captain of the robotics team at the STEM School and Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
When I first joined Bronx Science's all-girls FIRST robotics team, the Fe Maidens, in my sophomore year, I didn't know what to expect. Honestly, I didn't know anything about building a robot before joining the team. I assumed it only required the mechanics to build a robot. However, after going through the rigorous yet enlightening experience that the Fe Maidens' have put me through, I learned that robotics is so much more than that.
While I also had the option to apply to Bronx Science's co-ed team, the SciBorgs, I decided that the Fe Maidens would be the better fit for me. I also knew that the Fe Maidens would be more accepting of a girl interesting in STEM fields.
My first year as an Fe Maiden was when I was a sophomore, and I was already taking Intro to Computer Science as my 6th Major in school, so I naturally applied to become a member of the Programming department.
The team gladly took me in, but the rest of the year came with a struggle. The Head of Programming at the time wasn't exactly the best teacher, and she got upset whenever my code was wrong or I had a question about something I didn't understand.
In junior year, I decided to switch over to the Public Relations department, not because I has lost interest in programming (which I didn't), but because I wanted to explore the communications and publicity management of the team. Although I was a bit shaky to join PR since I mostly excel in STEM fields, I decided to try it out anyway.
PR has given such an incredible, unforgettable experience that I can only view with love and even nostalgia. While it is my department's duty to update the blog and social media constantly and also to take as many pictures as I can of both our team and our brother team, the SciBorgs, it sure feels more like a hobby than a job. After all, the PR department does combine two of my favorite pastimes – writing and photography.
It never really occurred to me that women were so underrepresented in STEM until I looked through multiple accounts of the struggles women have in being in STEM fields. Because Bronx Science has always been such an accepting school for both genders, I never realized that women all over the world are struggling to maintain the same level of respect that men have.
The first regional the Fe Maidens competed in was the NYC Regional at the Jacob K. Javits Center. It was such an amazing experience that I wish had lasted more than 3 days. The whole time I was either taking pictures of both the Fe Maidens and the SciBorgs in the pit or cheering on both teams in the stands whenever either was on the field.
The worst part about the competition would have to be the disrespect. Although most of the teams were pretty accepting of us, a large number of the men looked away whenever we talked to them or turn over their questions to the co-ed team adjacent to us where they could talk to the male members.
Even on Tumblr, I see reminders to boys who can't control themselves regarding their behavior because they conform to gender stereotypes and thus glorify the promiscuity of women. Their level of disrespect is completely unacceptable and no woman in STEM should simply shrug off these remarks. It's time we turn "like a girl" into a stronger, more positive and powerful phrase.
But other than those selective few, I'm glad I can say that I'm part of such an accepting community. Both the Fe Maidens and the FIRST community have been so welcoming and I never felt the slightest inch of disrespect when I was with the team. It's so heartwarming and inspiring to acknowledge the fact that when we girls come together, we can break down gender stereotypes and rewrite the rules.
And going back to my general experience as an Fe Maiden, I am so glad to be a part of the team. Most people, when they join a club or a team, they do it simply because it looks good for college. But I know that every single girl on this team is here because she is doing what she loves. Something to write on her résumé is just a plus.
Even though I wasn't invited to our regional in South Florida – they could only take 15 people per team – I still had a blast watching the live stream and constantly updating the Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook pages. Sometimes I stayed up just to see what other teams from around the world were up to. And I did it more because I simply wanted to than because I felt that I had to.
Overall, being an Fe Maiden has been truly unforgettable and I can't wait for next year's build season. It was amazing to see how much the team has grown in the past years and I look forward to blooming even more next year.
You can find Sarah Hedgecock's Forbes article about the Fe Maidens here.
