Felipe Franco, a 12th-grade student and Robotics Team Leader, shares how the Makerspace has pushed his growth in teamwork and time management.
“It’s taught me how to manage a team under pressure, especially during competitions. Delegating tasks and trusting my teammates has been a big part of our success.”The Makerspace is where theory becomes practice. All the math and physics concepts I learn in class come to life when I’m working on robotics projects,” he says.
This collaborative environment is a place where concepts come to life through real-world projects. Felipe reflects on one of his most challenging projects: building a competition robot where mechanics and programming had to be synchronized within a tight timeframe. The Makerspace isn’t just about robotics; it’s also a setting where sustainable design meets technology.
“I used data from our robotics sensors to create a project that tracks efficiency in real-time,” she says. “It’s one thing to learn how to analyze data in class, but seeing it applied in a physical setting makes it so much more meaningful.” Valeria Giraldo, 12th grade, explains.
It’s not just upperclassmen who find value in this space. Alicia Quintero, a 9th grader, finds the Makerspace to be a welcoming and empowering environment, especially as she navigates high school’s academic challenges. Projects like robotics have helped her make new friends and feel connected to her peers.
“Knowing that I can go to the Makerspace and figure things out hands-on has helped me become more confident in my problem-solving skills,” Quintero shares. The skills students acquire in the Makerspace extend far beyond technical knowledge.Valeria notes that project-based learning has transformed her academic experience. “I’ve learned how to approach problems methodically, test solutions, and stay persistent,” she says, adding that these lessons have positively impacted her studies.
The Makerspace offers a perfect balance of structure and creative freedom, allowing students to explore their interests without the pressure of grades. “My classes have structure and deadlines, but in the Makerspace, I can explore at my own pace, it gives me the flexibility to experiment and try new things.” Alicia says.
In essence, the Makerspace allows students to bring abstract ideas to life. Valeria sums it up perfectly: “Don’t be afraid to connect the dots. The Makerspace brings abstract ideas to life. Whether you’re into science, data, or design, there’s always a way to apply what you’re learning in a hands-on way.”