Since our rookie season in 2012, the Roboravens have benefited from the participation of several women. In reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day, we reached out to some of them to do get their perspective on the program.
How long were you with the Roboravens?
Marjorie
“6 (years), two as a parent writing cheques (2014 & 2015), 3 as fan club and attending the competitions (2016-2018), and 1 as a mentor (2019).”
Rachel
“I was with the team for two years.”
Dulini
“I was with the Roboravens for about 2 years.”
Kira
“I was on the team for three years.”
Ankush
“I was on the team for 3 years.”
What is your field of study, and how do you envision your career beyond undergraduate studies?
Marjorie
“I have a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science (Information Management), spent the past 10 years in Data Centre Facility Management, application release management before that.”
Rachel
“Currently studying mechanical engineering with a specialization in Systems and Mechatronics. After my undergrad degree, I hope to complete a research masters degree in robotic manipulators and their vision systems. I’m hoping to work in an industrial research field and possibly consulting in the future.”
Dulini
“I am currently studying mechanical engineering at Carleton University. I had envisioned working with/on robots when I was on the team. Now, I think I am suited more for project management, but other than that I have not thought too hard about it as I am only in second year.”
Kira
“I’m studying computer science and minoring in cognitive science. Being only a year in, I can’t even begin to guess what my first career will be, let alone my second or third. That said, I hope it involves me in front of a computer working with a big team to help people, whether that’s in big data, AI or robotics.”
Ankush
I am currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Carleton university. I want to specialize in space systems design. I’m only part way through 1st year, so I’m not exactly sure what direction I want to take with my career yet, but I am looking into possibly minoring in business alongside my degree.
What would you say you gained by being a member of the team?
Marjorie
“An appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the kids and long-term mentors to keep this team going. Amazing things happen in a relatively short period of time and this puts the students ahead in skills development and most of the time they don’t even realize it is happening – same goes for the mentors.”
Rachel
“By joining (the) Roboravens I gained a lot of useful experience in terms of manufacturing and teamwork. Learning how to work in a team is so important, and you use those skills for the rest of your life.”
Dulini
“I have more skills when it comes to shop and because of the competitions that were provided, my creativity has broadened. For soft skills, networking has become less daunting as we had training from scouting other teams and being scouted ourselves. Teamwork on a larger scale is something that I have learned from robotics as it feels more like a community.”
Kira
“Where do I even start? When I say this team shaped who I am, it’s not an exaggeration. I came in as a curious but shy grade 10 student and left as a leader. I learned technical, business and social skills, and even found another family.”
Ankush
“I’ve grown so much since I joined the team. I’ve made so many connections and wonderful memories I’ll keep with me forever. The team felt like a family, a place where I could feel like I belonged. My experiences with the RoboRavens are the reason I chose to pursue engineering, and the technical skills related to build/design/business make me feel like I have a jump start in my courses and career. I’ve learned about my strengths, weaknesses, interests, teamwork, social skills. The list of things I’ve gained is endless!”
What advice would you give to young women considering joining the Roboravens?
Marjorie
“Don’t over think it, join the team it is an exciting ride: the rush of meeting a deadline, the adrenaline of competition, managing heartbreak of defeat in one match and victory in the next.”
Rachel
“For those who are thinking about joining Roboravens, it can help build a lot of self confidence, leadership skills, and you make so many new friends.”
Dulini
” I say go for it. If you have kind of interest in any of the fields that we do. Then try, and if its not for you, that’s okay, but there is no harm in trying. If you’re scared you don’t have any knowledge in the fields, don’t worry as we all learn from somewhere. You can be as curious as you want here and that makes our team so much better and diverse. I have so much amazing memories from this team and have learned and grown so much from this experience. So just try. :)”
Kira
“Do it! If you want to learn something new and build cool things, this is definitely the place for you! Even if, for some unfathomable reason, building robots isn’t enough for you, there are other ways to get involved and help out.”
Ankush
“The more you put into the team, the more you’ll get back. There’s such a large variety of jobs to do on the team, so try something new and you’ll discover something you really enjoy! Everyone on the team is really supportive and it’s a learning environment, so you just need to take the chance and you’ll find your way.”
Editorial Note
It is clear from their responses that being a part of the Roboravens family has had a positive impact on these women’s lives. It is equally important to understand that their contribution to the team was not short lived. Their time with the team has helped shaped what the Roboravens are today. The young women, and men, the students that are on the team today, and will follow tomorrow will all feel those effects and are better for it.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our questions, and for the enrichment you have brought to the team.