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FIRST Washington ▸ News ▸ Newsletter – December 2021
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    • Newsletter – December 2021

    December, 2021

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    Get to Know Team 1425 Error Code Xero!
    How has your team engaged the community this season?
    During the shut-down from Covid-19, our team worked together with Team 7034 to create personal protective equipment, such as ear savers and face shields, and distributed these supplies to local schools and businesses. Team 1425 was able to meet in a nearby church space, in small numbers, to continue to work on the at-home challenges under Covid protocol.
    How has your team worked to bring new students into your FIRST Washington team and make it an inclusive environment for all?
    To make our team an inclusive environment, we always make sure we include diversity in all of our media and outreach. Our team has similar demographics as our school, and we are nearly 50% female. Team 1425 is currently in the process of creating a diversity subteam to ensure all students feel included and welcomed on the team.
     What do you love most about FIRST Washington?
    I just recently went to an off-season event and as a freshman this was my first robotics event. I really loved how even though teams were competing against each other they came together, and it made the competition so much more fun because everyone was supporting each other. We were learning to make quick decisions along the way and adjusting based on what scouting information we got. We were also making last minute decisions whether it was zip tying a part of the robot to make it stick or you know, just other last-minute decisions. I overall really enjoyed the event because it gave me a really great first experience. – Suhaani (Freshman)
    What is one thing you’d like everyone to know about your team?
    I think this is a great place to give a shout out to all our mentors who have helped out our team so much, I can’t even say how much I value our mentors, they stuck through and helped budget through the covid season, and are still here, and are still pushing us to do our best. It is really tough with such a small team, but they really motivated us to learn and keep going, even though times were tough, they are invaluable to the team. Without the mentors to help and guide everyone, I doubt we would be as successful as we are. They are truly amazing. – Aditi
    What is an important lesson your team has learned recently?
    I feel like we have learned how the power of more people can really change the team. In the past it has seemed the team has struggled with numbers, yet they still managed to be super successful. I am excited to see how we do this season and see what types of skills new members can bring to the table. – Grace
    Do you have anything else you’d like to share about your team?
    One thing I’d like to share about our team is that we have a place for everybody. We have so many different kinds of sub-teams, that everybody with any kind of interest or personality can find some place that they’ll love on the team. If you’re really into writing code, we have a software subteam, if you really enjoy making videos or editing, we have a business sub-team. There’s really something for everyone. – Anish

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    Thank YOU for Helping Us Surpass Our #GivingTuesday Goal!

    60% of FIRST Washington alumni are currently employed in STEM fields.
    Your gift will help give all Washington State students in grades K-12 the ability to explore engineering, teamwork and learn to solve real-world problems is creating pathways to STEM degrees, STEM careers, and well-rounded future citizens of the world.
    Microsoft Alumni Network and FIRST WA Board members are offering $10,000 in matching funds to support FIRST Washington through December 3rd as part of Microsoft Alumni GIVE on Giving Tuesday in 2021.
    Together we’ve raised over $26,000. Thank you all for helping us surpass our fundraising goal!

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    Partnership Spotlight: PEMCO Insurance
    PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company has been a longstanding partner and supporter of FIRST Washington. More than an insurance company, their commitment to the communities they serve is a pillar of their mission. Youth and education is one such pillar, with 100% of employees participating in service annually, and inspiring others to join them in PEMCO-sponsored days of giving, or actively serving to further the mission of values-aligned organizations. FIRST Washington thanks PEMCO for the countless volunteer hours and corporate support!
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    WE’VE MOVED!
    We are so excited to announce that FIRST Washington has a new warehouse in Kent.