Robotics Competition

TRANSCRIPT
Robotics Competition

NARRATOR:
Everyone feels they lack confidence at some time in their lives. But for some young people, trying something new is the first step to believing in themselves. At a robotics event in Detroit, USA, high school students from all over the world come together to compete—and to build their confidence. One team, the Build a Dream Amazon Warriors from Canada, is new to the competition. Valerie Alexander says she has never built anything before joining the team. But now, she explains, she is learning so much and making new friends.

SOUNDBITE - Valerie Alexander:
"I'd never used tools or built anything before. And now I'm in this environment, I'm here, I've made so many friends, I've learned so many things."

NARRATOR:
The teams design and build robots for a game where the robots move around an area and carry yellow cubes. But for many of the students, it’s about way more than just machines. These events help students develop skills they can use in the future. Skills that lead to exciting careers in science and technology.

Natasha Stamler is a student from New York with four years of experience on her robotics team. She encourages other teens to get involved, even if they don’t have much experience or money. What matters is that you try, have a positive attitude, and learn new things.

SOUNDBITE - Natasha Stamler: 
"Just do it. Maybe you don't have the funds or resources in your school. Maybe you can try to build things. It can be wood, it can be metal. It doesn't matter. Just try your hand, and as you have fun with your friends you're really learning real-world skills."

NARRATOR:
Doing something new isn’t always easy. But for these teens, robotics gives them the chance to learn, grow, and feel proud of who they are.