The Qubit Bot robotics team recently hosted an inspiring outreach session with Jharna Kamath, a rising senior at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she is pursuing a double major in Architecture and Mathematics. As someone who has navigated the challenging journey from high school to an elite liberal arts institution, Jharna offered valuable insights to the team, who are preparing for the new season of the FIRST FTC program. Her experiences in both academics and personal growth resonated deeply with the team, providing them with lessons they can apply to their robotics endeavors and beyond.
Introducing the Speaker: Jharna Kamath
Jharna Kamath's journey began at Leander High School in Texas, where she pursued the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Her decision to attend Barnard College, part of Columbia University in New York City, marked a significant turning point. As a student balancing a double major in Architecture and Mathematics, Jharna has faced a variety of academic and personal challenges that have shaped her resilience and adaptability.
Key Insights from the Outreach Session
During her presentation, Jharna shared several key themes that resonated with the Qubit Bot team:
Adaptability
Moving from Texas to New York City was a major transition for Jharna, both socially and academically. She emphasized the importance of being open to new experiences and adjusting to new environments. This is a crucial lesson for the Qubit Bot team as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of robotics and technology, especially as they work to incorporate AI and machine learning into their robot.
Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
Despite her success in high school, Jharna encountered academic challenges during her sophomore year in college, including testing anxiety and lower-than-expected grades. However, she recovered and excelled, demonstrating that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. This message of perseverance is particularly relevant as the team prepares for the upcoming season, where challenges and failures are inevitable, but persistence will lead to success.
Networking and Opportunities
Jharna highlighted the competitiveness of extracurricular activities and internships at Columbia. She encouraged the team to apply widely and not be discouraged by rejections. This advice can be applied to the robotics world, where securing sponsorships, partnerships, and competition placements can be highly competitive. Building a strong network and leveraging connections will be key to the team's success.
The Value of a Multidisciplinary Education
Jharna advocated for the importance of a liberal arts education, which fosters critical thinking and ethical awareness. She urged the team to approach their non-technical courses with the same enthusiasm as their technical ones, recognizing that a well-rounded education is essential for long-term success. This perspective can help the team balance their focus on robotics with other important aspects of their education.
Applying These Lessons to the Upcoming FIRST FTC Season
The Qubit Bot team walked away from the session with Jharna feeling inspired and motivated to apply her lessons to their work in the FIRST FTC program. Here are some specific ways they plan to integrate these insights:
Embracing New Technologies
Just as Jharna adapted to her new environment in college, the team is focusing on adapting to new technologies, particularly AI and machine learning. They are using their control bot as a platform to educate themselves and explore these technologies, preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.
Perseverance in Problem-Solving
In robotics, as in academics, setbacks are part of the journey. The team is committed to approaching problems with resilience, learning from failures, and pushing through difficulties, just as Jharna did during her college experience.
Networking and Outreach
Following Jharna's advice, the Qubit Bot team is prioritizing networking and outreach efforts, connecting with other teams and professionals in the field to learn, share experiences, and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Broadening Their Horizons
While robotics is the team's primary focus, they are also taking Jharna's advice to heart by embracing a multidisciplinary approach to their education. This means valuing the lessons learned in all areas of their schooling and understanding how these diverse skills will contribute to their overall success.
Conclusion
Jharna Kamath's session with the Qubit Bot robotics team was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a broad-based education. As the team gears up for the upcoming FIRST FTC season, they are taking these lessons to heart, knowing that success in robotics, as in life, is about more than just technical skills—it's about perseverance, networking, and maintaining a balanced perspective. With these insights, the team is ready to tackle the challenges ahead and continue their journey of learning and growth.
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