Women have a history full of suffering and oppression.  They had to earn their rights in society as opposed to men who had their rights guaranteed from birth.  It wasn’t until August 18th, 1920 when women were allowed the right to vote in the United States of America.  On the other hand, most men had the right to vote at the birth of the country.  Despite the fact that women were working relentlessly for equality before that, women continue to face discrimination in society today.  In the workforce, women are not encouraged to go into careers involving STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) the same way men are. From a young age, I was lucky enough to have my father stress that I can do anything I set my heart out to do. He told me that no woman is confined to certain careers and always taught me the beauty of STEM education.  Unfortunately, not every girl is raised this way. Most young girls are given dolls with unrealistic looking bodies and faces plastered with make up to play with as a child.  Not only does this reflect a false representation of women, but it encourages young girls that objectification of women is not only acceptable, but a necessary part of success.  Not many girls are given a set of LEGOs or told to build cars and experiment with the multitude of gears and motors.  However, in FIRST, women are given the opportunity to contribute and show knowledge of STEAM in a comfortable environment.  Because of this, it is an honor to be a part of FIRST. 

Last month, our team traveled to St. Louis to compete in the FIRST Championship. We had an unforgettable experience and we learned so much from all the other teams there. As it is commonly quoted, robotics is “the hardest fun you'll ever have.” Upon returning home victorious after the competition, the mood of the team was different. We were no longer spending every waking hour worrying about autonomous or our alliance partners for the upcoming match. As the realization dawned on us that this season was officially over, we felt lost. FIRST had been such a huge part of our lives for so long.  This feeling, commonly known as 'robotics withdrawal' has been felt by each and every member of the team. As a woman in FIRST, this withdrawal has never felt so good. It's amazing to know you're part of something bigger than you can imagine. In FTC alone, there were over 4,400 teams. 4,400 robots were built in total for competition; all of which is unique despite performing the same tasks--albeit some performing better than others. FIRST gives women the opportunity to pursue interests in STEAM and encourages a healthy, educational environment to cultivate forward thinking minds. Not every organization can say the same. 

FIRST also teaches women valuable life skills. We have been given the opportunity to challenge the norm and go against the grain. Not only is it encouraged that you share each idea you have, but it is necessary no matter how far-fetched it is. Women's voices are heard loud and clear. The environment FIRST creates lets women be taken seriously without the worry of feeling inferior to others. Furthermore, we have been taught to trust ourselves, gain well-deserved confidence and to know when to show that sparkle hidden in each of us.

We would like to thank FIRST for giving us women the experience of a lifetime. One that will cease to be forgotten and stay in our minds and hearts forever. It is a pleasure and an honor to take part in such a wonderful organization. We will continue to be involved in FIRST and are curious to see what the future holds for women in STEAM.

This blog post was written by Tina Wu, Emily Weis, Andie Weiser-Schlesinger of FTC Team 3415. If you want to blog for FIRST Ladies, sign up on the schedule. 

The impact of FIRST is truly more than robots. It goes far beyond a STEM education and it provides all of its participants with a tremendous amount of opportunities and skills that transform kids into amazingly driven and inspiring young adults. This transformation is often referred to as a pipeline, and it serves as a path for student participants from the FIRST program to pursuing STEM degrees and later STEM careers. However, like any pipeline it has leaks, and in particular, girls are leaving the program. The real issue is that girls are leaving FIRST, and STEM, not because it is no longer their passion, but because they have no female leaders to inspire them to have passion. The passion students have for FIRST, and STEM, is what makes FIRST the unique program that it is and without passion the program loses impact. 

In short, girls need girls. Girls need girls to be the leaders that inspire them to become leaders themselves and stop the leaks in the pipe. Only girls can become role models for other girls in FIRST and inspire them to become the passionate leaders the FIRST program really needs to retain its female students and stop the leaks. Through passionate leadership we can stop the leaks in the pipe and inspire girls to be future leaders for FIRST and STEM. 

So, as the 2014 to 2015 FIRST season comes to a close new opportunities for leadership arise with the incoming season. It is now our task, as girls, to become the passionate leaders that will stop the leaks in the pipe and inspire other girls to become new leaders. Now, stepping up and becoming a leader will never be easy as it seems, but, it is an act that will have a tremendous impact on the FIRST community. So, be a passionate leader in your community. Leadership doesn't need a fancy title, and as a passionate and inspiring girl you will become a leader by default and help stop the leaks in the pipe. 

My challenge to girls in FIRST is to become pipe stoppers, passionate leaders, and be the role models that we need to inspire other girls to become pipe stoppers, leaders, as well.

This blog was written by Maggie Rosner of FRC Team 2557. If you are interested in blogging for FIRST Ladies, sign up on the schedule.