This week we spent time with Miriam Davie, who makes sure that all the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robots pass inspection and are ready to perform on the field.
How long have you been volunteering for FIRST?
Aerial Assist (2014) was my first year.
What positions have you held?
I’ve worked as a Robot Inspector and now as an LRI, which means I am a Lead Robot Inspector at some of the events. This means I get to herd the other robot inspectors in making sure all the robots are ready to play by the first match of the day.
What inspired you to become a volunteer?
My company (TE Connectivity) is a sponsor and our CTO shared information about volunteering with everyone in our Technology organization. It looked like a great opportunity, so I signed up. I never expected to be made a Robot Inspector (I was pretty nervous that first year!) but have had a wonderful time ever since.
What is your favorite part about volunteering?
Meeting such amazing young people. The team members are so smart, creative, and kind and I’m inspired by them every year.
How has volunteering helped you (career, job, life in general, etc…)?
I’ve had the opportunity to share my experiences with FIRST at work in front of some high-level folks. Working as a Robot Inspector also teaches me new technology since I need to make sure I understand fully what I’m inspecting.
What words of advice would you give to new volunteers or to those considering volunteering?
Do it! You will never regret the time you spend with FIRST. It is fun, sometimes frantic, a bit exhausting, but always engaging.
Any favorite stories or anecdotes to share?
I’m a member of TE’s employee resource group, Women in Networking, and we hosted an event for young women on NC teams. At dinner, I talked with one student who was enjoying FIRST, but didn’t feel the younger girls on her team were allowed to do much. I encouraged her to “take a place at the table”. Two years later, she was the captain of her team. She very likely would have taken a leadership role without any encouragement from me, but it was still rewarding to see!