While most students were in school learning and stressing for tests, eight members of the robotics Team Spyder 1622 went on a journey to Greece from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 to mentor an international robotics competition with teams from 50 countries. They were able to show their skills but also explore new cultures and places.
As they navigated ancient ruins and explored Greek culture, dozens of robotics teams prepared for the annual competition First Global, and a representative from almost every country competed. Poway Robotics teacher Rodger Dohm said their main objective was “to teach STEM worldwide and help students in other countries and even here locally,” Dohm said.
“We wanted to mentor teams who truly were passionate about what they were doing. I personally volunteered with the media. I took pictures and got videos that the teams needed,” senior Sernera Falucho said.
As the team settled into their new surroundings, they quickly got to work, engaging with other participants from around the globe. Volunteering and brainstorming sessions filled their days, allowing Poway’s students to share their insights on robot design, programming, and teamwork strategies.
Senior Eriko Kubota-Valme said one of the most memorable highlights of the trip was “being able to see the teams in person and physically interacting with them while watching every team from each country connected with each other, despite the competitive atmosphere,” Kubota-Valme said.
This journey enhanced the team’s skills but also expanded their appreciation for cultural exchange and global collaboration in the world of robotics.