Operations
[ Ida Hempel ] [ Arushi Goel ] [ Malaika Ramachandran ] [
Neli Jasuja ] [ Ginna Freehling ]
Ida Hempel
Operations Lead
Years on Team: 4
Grade 12
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As a freshman, I joined robotics out of curiosity - never before had I handled so much as a
screwdriver. After a year, I decided to explore the website and fundraising subteams.
To my surprise, FRC teams are essentially small businesses in their complexity and structure.
By being a part of the operations teams, I've been able to see how the entire process works,
from the fundraising at the beginning of the year to the build season to the final competitions.
I have learned a tremendous amount about communications, interacting with sponsors, and wrangling
with source code. I've enjoyed being able to have both a "people" focus and a "technology" focus and
I love being a part of the tight knit community that's grown up around our robotics team for the
past four years.
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Arushi Goel
Operations - Public Relations
Years on Team: 3
Grade 12
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When I first heard about the robotics team at Castilleja, I thought it must be a
pretty laid back, "chill" club. In a way, I was right. The team is so close and
loves to have fun, yet at the same time is focused on what must get done to build
a successful robot. I thrive in this kind of environment where work and play are
treated as equals. Being a member of this team has taught me so much, like how to
work with different sorts of people and how to deal with problems on the spot
(something that happens more often than needed in robotics). Because I am chiefly
a member of the Operations side of the team, I have gained valuable communications
skills as well that will definitely help me in the future. Participating in the
production of a full-fledged robot has also inspired me to consider a career in
engineering, a path I was reluctant to take before because I was always daunted
by the complex calculations and the intricate designs. Being on the team, however,
I have learned that all these long nights designing the perfect robot can actually
be fun - collaborating with friends who are just as brilliant as anyone and finding
the ideal solution to a problem leaves me satisfied believing that I have really
tapped my potential to think like a true engineer. Not to mention, I am a part of
a field in which women are a large minority, and I am proud to be representing
women by being on the robotics team.
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Malaika Ramachandran
Operations Member
Years on Team: 2
Grade 10
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What have I learned from robotics? That's easy! I've learnt to use a power drill
and to superglue without gluing my fingers. I've learnt that the phone downstairs
has an extremely...unique ringtone. But most importantly, I've learnt that robotics
isn't just science and math. Those two are important, of course, but there's a whole
creative aspect involved that gives people the chance to come up with crazy ideas.
I've had so much fun on the team and can't wait for another year!
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Neli Jasuja
Operations - Outreach Coordinator
Years on Team: 3
Grade 12
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Why did you decide to join robotics?
I was interested in learning more about how you build a robot and about the engineering and effort that goes into it.
What is your favourite thing about the robot or the challenge this year?
I like how the field is made out of a material that simulates a low gravity situation. It should be interesting to see how that changes the dynamics of the game.
Favorite movie?
Slumdog Millionaire.
I will always remember when...
We went to Oregon last year! We had so much fun as a team, and I got to see firsthand what it's like to be at a robotics competition.
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Ginna Freehling
Operations Assistant
Years on Team: 3
Grade 11
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Why did you decide to join robotics?
I liked tech challenge.
Favorite movie?
10 Things I hate About You.
I will always remember when...
We went to the modern cafe in orgeon and the food was AMAZING especially the home made gelato!
What is your favorite numerical constant?
None, but I love the number 4.
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