Search Results for: stress

Christmas tree cake

the lessons I have learned while changing the world one cake at a time, by CJ

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This article was written for yooou! by 16 year old, CJ.

Hi! I’m Charli Ann Joseph. I am 16 years old (as of Dec 22!) and live in Texas with my parents and two siblings, a sister, Olivia, who is one of the funniest people I know, and a brother, Corbete, who has always been “my” baby.

I have a successful cake business – Charli Ann’s Heavenly Cakes. I started baking when I was … well, for as long as I can remember I’ve been in the kitchen trying to help and cook something… but I started selling my cakes when I was 11. The first cake I sold was to raise money for a mission trip and after that people kept asking me to bake them a cake. My secret? My nanny’s icing! It is DELICIOUS! But I also put a lot of love into each cake, too. Some tears, but mostly love!

Until recently I used all my profits to give back to mission projects, clean water wells, and my community, but last year I decided I could only bake so many cakes a week and I wanted to be able to give more. So, with the help and support of my mom and a team of people, I began to make videos for YouTube and teach other people how to make cakes and treats to share joy with their friends. My hope is to change the world one cake at a time!

As the Christmas season is here and the New Year approaches, I have been reflecting on the things I’ve learned with my business over the last year.

One of the things I’ve learned about is how to deal with people that aren’t very nice. I have dealt with several “Karens” (no offense if your name is Karen!). I took it personally at first, but now I realize that someone else’s bad attitude is a reflection of them, not me.

Like 99.8% of my customers are over-the-moon excited about what I create for them, but not all of them envision what I create. While some have handled their disappointment in a healthy way, others have just been flat out mean about it. I do the best I can to make sure each client gets what they ask for and that they are satisfied. I spend a lot of time and effort into each cake, cookie, etc. so believe me, if they aren’t satisfied, I’m disappointed, too. But it doesn’t give anyone the right to be mean.

So, I guess what I’ve learned is that I’m only responsible for my attitude. When I know I’ve done my best, I can be pleased with myself and my work. I don’t have to let other people’s bad attitudes change my behavior. I am responsible for me. I can keep my cool even when others don’t.

Another thing that has really been a learning curve for me is time management. As a full-time student in high school, a part-time nanny, and working a full-time job, I’ve had to learn how to balance life. My schedule is crazy! On top of baking cakes, I also have to film for them which takes a lot of planning and time. I am fortunate that I have a mom to help me schedule these videos.

I am learning to focus on priorities. Rather than getting overwhelmed at all the things I have to do, I am taking them one at a time. I still get stressed… I AM 16… but I am also learning to take time for myself to do other things I enjoy. I try to work out (do I enjoy it?? weeelll… It helps me get some energy out!) and be involved in church. I like to play with my dog Quari (as in Quarantine) and during the summer, I hang out by the pool as much as possible. I also try to make time for my friends. Speaking of friends…

I’ve learned (and I’m still learning) that choosing my team wisely helps me get things done. Who I surround myself with impacts my motivation and emotions. Parting ways with people that aren’t helpful in my goals – including my business goals – has helped me be able to prioritize what is important and what plan God has for my life.

I didn’t have a ton of friends before I started baking and I certainly don’t now that I’m doing school online and baking all the time. But because my time IS limited, I’ve learned who my true friends really are. Take Ella, for example, my bestie. She gets it. She understands that my schedule is demanding. So, a lot of times, so that we can spend time together, she comes over and keeps me company in the kitchen while I’m baking. Instead of giving me a hard time for pursuing my dream, she supports it.

It’s so important to have friends and a team that support your goals rather than making you feel different or out of place because you don’t do the same things other people are doing or don’t follow the vision they have for your life. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but the sooner, the better.

Overall, I look back over the last year and I know I’ve grown a lot. I still have a ton to learn, but these three things are helping me achieve my goals and put smiles on people’s faces. Each smile lets me know that I am changing the world one cake at a time!

I hope that you’ll join me in the journey! My YouTube channel is https://youtube.com/c/CharliAnnsHeavenlyCakes. My goal right now is to get as many viewing hours as possible so that’s the biggest way you can help change the world one cake at a time. Plus, I give lots of tips and techniques on how to make these treats. Whether you’re a beginner or pro…it’s for you! I’m also on IG, FB, and TikTok (@charliannsheavenlycakes) and I’d love to see you there! Check out my December treats for the holidays!!

I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year full of sweet treats and lots of love! 

To read about other teenpreneurs click here, here and here.

Stop Overthinking

how to stop overthinking

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Overthinking is exhausting, isn’t it? 

There are so many triggers for overthinking – anxiety, stress, control, fear, perfectionism.

But, there are tools to help yourself stop this seemingly never-ending spiral. We think the simple act of getting “it” out of your mind and into the world is a must! 

Try one (or all) of these ways to release your thoughts:

🔸Journaling or writing 

🔸Doodling

🔸Talking

Once a thought is “out there”, it tends to lose its magnitude and becomes much easier to deal with.

The overthinking spiral is broken and you can calmly address your issue. Filter your thoughts through the steps above, form a solution, decision or answer and then hopefully you can move on.

Thank you to The Girl Gang Wellness and The Just Girl Project for the easy to follow graphic.

For another helpful article about over coming anxiety at night, click here.

cake with drip icing

cake decorating 101, by VZ

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This article was written for yooou! by 17-year-old, VZ.

Here’s my cake decorating process! This is what I’ve found works the best for me after lots of trial and error. Cake decorating can be such a daunting aspect of baking, but it really shouldn’t be.

It takes practice, like anything, but it isn’t as hard as it may seem. You just have to be patient. Most importantly, have FUN! Baking and decorating cakes is honestly my favorite part of baking!

Okayyyyy! Time to dive into this cake decorating process!

Step 1:

Bake your cake layers.

This is arguably the most important step because without good cake layers, your finished cake will not turn out the way you’d like it to. Baking even, moist and/or fluffy cake layers is a whole other process in itself.

  • Butter, flour, and add a parchment circle to the cake pans before pouring the batter in. That ensures the cakes won’t stick to the pan and your layers won’t come out too crumbly.
  • Find a good cake recipe that works for you (I have a chocolate cake recipe on my blog). This is crucial because in order to have a good cake, you need a good tasting cake…
  • Level your cake layers with a cake leveler or a knife. This isn’t necessary but it helps A TON.
  • Let your cakes cool completely. That way, the frosting won’t melt as you’re frosting it and the layers won’t slide around.
  • Start off by only baking and using two or three layers. More layers = more finicky and harder to frost.
  • I’ve found that baking my cake layers, leveling them and freezing them ahead of time is the best way to go. Frosting already frozen cake layers makes the whole process run smoother and there’s less stress on you because the layers won’t slip around.

Step 2:

Make your frosting and filling.

Everyone’s had a slice of cake with frosting that just wasn’t it. Well, your frosting can make or break your cake. (I have a GREAT vanilla buttercream recipe on my blog…) So using a good recipe (hint hint) is super important.

  • A separated buttercream makes for a not so good finished product. Not only is it ugly, but it’ll also have a weird texture when eaten. If your buttercream seems to be separated, try adding some more fat to it; add a tablespoon or two of vegetable shortening. That should do the trick! 🙂 
  • Frosting that’s too sweet won’t make the cake eater want to finish the piece of cake. Frosting that’s too buttery will make it feel like you’re just eating plain butter.
  • Room temperature frosting is the way to go. If you’re using frosting that’s been frozen or that’s been sitting in the fridge, you’re going to want to let it sit out for a few hours before in order to get to room temp.
  • Remove air bubbles from your done frosting by mixing on low speed with a stand mixer. Or, use a rubber spatula to fold the bubbles out.
  • When trying a filling for the first time, be sure to not add too much. That’s a very common mistake that causes the layers to slide all over.

Step 3:

Stack your layers!

This is a pretty simple step, but it’s also the step that causes the most stress.

  • Be patient. Whatever you do, don’t rush this step.
  • Slipping cake layers? Add a wooden dowel or some sort of straw into the middle of the layers to hold them up.
  • Apply an even amount of frosting (and/or filling) between each layer. If I’m just doing frosting in the middle, I add 2-3 scoops of buttercream with a 3 oz cookie scoop.
  • If you’re doing a filling, pipe a border of frosting around the edge, add the filling and then put the cake layer on.  This makes sure no filling will leak onto the outside of your cake.

Step 4:

Crumb Coatttttt!!

This step is SO important. A good crumb coat will keep all the crumbs in which means the final coat of your cake will be crumbless and stunning.

  • Apply an even layer of frosting over the entire cake. This can be tricky if your cake isn’t stable so be careful. The goal of this is to trap all the crumbs in.
  • Immediately after, put your cake in the freezer (you can use the fridge instead, I just prefer the freezer) to chill for 10ish minutes. This step helps the stability of your cake by a significant amount, so DO NOT SKIP!

Step 5:

Final Coat.

This is the step that gives you the gorgeous blank canvas of a cake. If you do it right, you can get phenomenal edges around the top and a clean finish

  • Don’t rush this step either. A good finish takes time.
  • Keep adding little bits of frosting to spots that aren’t covered as well and use your cake scraper to even it out.
  • Use a cake scraper often. Running the cake scraper under hot water right before you go in for your last three scrapes will tremendously help smooth the frosting out.

Step 6:

Toppings!!!!

Topping cakes is my favorite part of the whole process. I just love how everything comes together depending on what you use to top it!

  • Adding fresh fruit on top is my favorite way to top cakes. Think raspberries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries…
  • Other toppers that I love: meringue cookies, caramel corn, dried citrus wheels, candied/dried fruits, Oreos, candy bar pieces, nuts, macarons, chocolate chunks/curls…

Tips for my drips:

  • Start with a 1:1 ratio of chocolate chips (semi sweet, or candy melts) and heavy cream. I tend to use 1/3 cup of both.
  • Microwave for 30 seconds to begin and then stir. Microwave in increments of 10 or 20 seconds and stir after each.
  • If the drip looks too thin, add more chocolate chips. If it looks too thick, add more heavy cream.
  • Once you think your drip is ready, test it on a cup!
  • I pour my drip on top and then use an offset spatula to drip it off the sides. That gives the cake a drip with less symmetry.

That’s it!

Once you’ve done all of that, you’re ready to enjoy your stunning cake!

If you’re hoping to assemble, decorate and then freeze your cake ahead of time, I’d recommend putting it in the freezer until all the decor and final coat of frosting is set and won’t get damaged if you touch it. (30 mins ish)

Then, wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap (make sure every part of it is covered) and put it back in the freezer until it’s time to enjoy it.

Be sure to take it out a few hours in advance and expect it to sweat as it thaws.

A few of my favorite drip cakes that I’ve done this past year:

For more deliciousness, go to Violet’s website. Click here for a fun cupcake recipe in our Stories on Instagram.

ACT prep

how to keep a positive outlook on the ACT, by CL

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This article was written for yooou! by 17-year-old, CL.

For years the ACT has been known for being stressful and time consuming for all kids.

On top of junior year and all the stress that comes with it like college applications, resumes, and exams;
the ACT is just another thing for students to be afraid of.

Today was actually my last day of ACT testing ironically. I have something called extended time to help me take these tests due to my ADD and dyslexia. I also have an accommodation that allows me to take the test over a four
day period, one section a day instead of four sections in one sitting, so believe me when I say I
understand the stress of it all.

But I’m not here to write about how bad the ACT can be. I’m here to talk about the brightside! If you choose to take the ACT you will be taking one English section that is filled with grammar questions, one Science section, one Reading section, and one Math.

Math is the one I struggle with the most, but again look on the bright side. I love English, Reading and Science, and I think I’m pretty good at them too, but shhh don’t jinx me!

The point I’m trying to make is yes, it’s not going to be fun to take practice tests every week and spend a
whole day taking test, but once you find the things you enjoy within the ACT it won’t feel like
just work.

Maybe you could end up actually enjoying the stories you read during Reading, or love
solving a certain set of problems on the Math and Science sections.

It really is all about your attitude.

Keep a positive outlook on this test and I promise you it will make all the difference in the world.

To read other articles by CL, click here and here.

For 5 tips to remember when taking to the ACT, click here.

Skin care products

a great skin care routine, by CL

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This article was written for yooou! by 17-year-old, CL.

My Products:
1. The cleanser I use is “CeraVe Foaming Cleanser” For normal to oily skin
2. For moisturizer I use “CeraVe Daily Moisturizing” For normal to oily skin
3. Sunscreen also by “CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
4. Exfoliating cleanser by “Replenix “Benzoyl Peroxide USP, Acne Wash”

Hi, it’s CL here with my – some might say extensive – skin care routine! I can’t stress how
important my skincare routine is to me.

It is like an impulse. I don’t even think about it anymore, I just going through the motions.

Once in the morning and then again before bed.

I start by washing my hands. Throughout the day your hands collect germs and before I even
think about touching my face I make sure to get a good wash with lots of soup and rinse with warm water!

After washing my hands, I pull my hair back and put on my spa headband. It keeps all my hair in my ponytail and off my face! I highly recommend buying one.

Now for the cleansing! I use a penny sized drop of my “CeraVe Foaming Cleanser” to gently wash my face with. I start with circular motions around my cheeks, chin, nose and especially my forehead! I struggle with acne and the focal points for it are my forehead and my chin so I make extra sure I massage my cleaners thoroughly.

Once I’ve rinsed off my cleanser with lukewarm water, I dab my face with a towel before I apply
my second fash wash. My exfoliating cleanser by Replenix “Benzoyl Peroxide USP, Acne Wash” is next! I only use a small amount though since this is an exfoliant and can be harsh if you use too much it could damage your skin.

Now that I’ve completed my face washes, it’s time for moisturizing by using the “CeraVe Daily Moisturizing” for normal to oily skin. Putting lotion on is incredibly important. It nourishes and protects your skin from cracking and also keeps it soft!

Now this final step I do sporadically! People say to put sunscreen on everyday but I tend to use it only when I feel the need to. Maybe it’s when I know I’ll be in the sun all day or maybe it’s when my face feels rough and my moisturizer doesn’t seem to be enough! I think it’s all about preference.

Now I LOVE all the products I’ve listed here, but I know better then anyone that everyone’s skin is different and the products I use might now work for everyone. I’ve gone through several trial runs to discovered what washes and lotions work best for me! I hope you enjoy my skin care routine!

To read more on skincare and acne, click here for 19-year-old JM’s post.

TCU sweatshirt

show our summer interns the love

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We are so excited. Our summer internship program starts this week!

We had a lot of fun with our interns last year so we have been counting the days to work with this year’s group!

Each girl will take over our website/blog and social media platforms for 2 weeks. During that time, they will plan, present, write, create, execute and analyze content for yooou!. They will also brainstorm and source future yooou! subscription box products.

Please welcome our first intern, 17-year-old, CL. She is a rising senior at The Episcopal School of Dallas. She is a varsity cheerleader and loves to bake. She is starting the stressful process of applying to college and hopes to go to a certain university. Can you tell which one?

CL is clever and creative and her take-over starts now so follow along on Instagram, Tik Tok and Spotify. Don’t forget to show her the love!

We will announce each new intern on Instagram so you can see how amazing her take-over is!

Click here to read about last summer’s interns. We have one returning this summer. Can you guess who it is? If you are interested in interning with us, send us a message by clicking here!

Makenna & soccer

how to stay active everyday, by mh

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This article was written for yooou! by 15-year-old, MH.

Staying active is very important for not only for your physical health but also your mental health.

The way you treat your body and take care of it will reflect how you feel about yourself.

Being active is one of the many ways you can help your body. Staying active doesn’t just mean working out. There are many ways to keep your body strong and healthy, such as playing sports, yoga, walks.

One of my favorite ways to stay active is to play a sport. You can do this with your school or just by getting a ball in your backyard. You can pick any sport you want and just have fun with it.

I play field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse for my school. Whenever I’m bored, I just go outside and kick around the ball or shoot some hoops. It is a great way to clear your mind. If you’re having a stressful day and it is a fun way to blow off some steam.

The most important part is you are having fun. And that you are playing a sport that you like. 

Another easy way you can stay active is to do yoga. It may seem funny, but it has some really good health benefits.

You can do yoga anytime of the day. I like doing yoga early in the morning after I wake up to just get a good positive start to my day.

Yoga is a very easy and relaxing thing to do. I normally put on a nice calming playlist to ease my yoga workout. I then will turn on a yoga video. There are many great apps or you can just find one on youtube.

There are also many different types of yoga. Each one has something different and unique about it. You can pick which one is right for you. Yoga isn’t a high intensity activity, but it still gets your blood pumping. And it’s a relaxing way to do it.  

During last spring when I had a lot of down time I started to get into running. I have always liked to run just because of the sports I play, but it was the way I stayed positive during the first part of COVID-19.

I would just run through my neighborhood and out by Bachman Lake with my dad. Running is something that you can do when you have a lot of time and it is a great way to stay active. I run about 2 to 4 miles on all my runs.

It is a great way to get steps in, clear my head, and get some alone time. Your runs can be as short or as long as you want them to be. It’s all about personal preference. 

These last two ways to stay active are not hard at all. One you can go on a walk. Maybe around your neighborhood or around a lake.

You can even get your friends to come join you. Taking a nice stroll can really help you if you are maybe having some anxiety and just need to focus on you.

Or if you go with your friends you can talk without any interruption and just catch up.

You can also go on a bike ride, which is another easy way to keep active. You can just go for a nice leisurely ride or you can bike to get a workout in. 

There are many other ways that you can stay active, but these are some great starts.

Make sure that you’re having fun in all your activities and always stay positive.

If you want to read other articles on staying fit, click here, here, here and here.

taking SAT

my experience with the ACT, by EL

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This article was written for yooou! by 17-year-old, EL.

For many, junior year is the time to accomplish one of high school’s most infamous tasks: standardized testing. 

So many questions come with taking the ACT or SAT. 

Which test should I take? Should I take both the ACT and the SAT? How many times should I take each? How should I prepare for standardized tests? Should I report my scores when applying for college? 

Figuring out the answers to all of these questions can be very overwhelming, especially since there is no single right answer. Everyone has a different process and method towards preparing for and taking these tests. 

On top of the normal worries surrounding standardized testing, adapted college requirements surrounding standardized testing have changed due to the pandemic. With many colleges making test scores optional, juniors have to figure out whether reporting scores to colleges is beneficial or not and must find a way to take the ACT or SAT in a safe environment. No wonder junior year is considered one of the most stressful years of high school! 

As a junior myself, I have tried to figure out the best way to approach standardized testing in the most stress-free way possible, and on top of the normal workload for school, it hasn’t always been easy. 

When approaching standardized testing I decided to start by choosing which test I wanted to take. While I have taken the Pre-SAT several times through my school, I decided to take the ACT because the ACT allows you to use a calculator on the Math section and has a Science section. Both tests have their own benefits, so choosing the right test for you can be crucial in preparing and taking standardized tests. While many of my friends have chosen to take both tests, I personally decided to spend my time focusing on just the ACT. 

After spending some time researching and preparing for the ACT, I took my first test in December. It was definitely nerve-racking at times, but it was such a relief to get my first test out of the way. It took a couple of weeks for scores to be released via email. 

With one test accomplished, I took the ACT again in February. Having taken the test once before I was so much more calm knowing that I could only improve from my last time taking the test. 

While standardized testing definitely seems terrifying in the beginning, it is definitely not impossible! Remembering to stay calm during the test and taking deep breaths during difficult problems helped me stay focused when I was nervous. Each test provided its own learning experience, and remembering to approach the ACT one step at a time made it so much less overwhelming, 

So, if you have an ACT or SAT coming up soon, remember to stay relaxed and keep trying if testing seems tough at times. Completing this milestone will feel so rewarding in the end. Good luck! 

Here are five tips to remember when taking the ACT! 

  1. Remember to double-check that you have everything you need the night before the test: #2 pencils, your admission ticket, a charged (and approved!) calculator, and a jacket in case the testing center is cold. 
  2. Sign up to receive a copy of your test after you take it so that you can review the answers you got wrong and prepare for next time. 
  3. Don’t just get a good night’s sleep the night before the test, make sure to get rest the entire week before, too! 
  4. Keep updated with changes regarding your test and testing center. With the pandemic, there have been some announcements regarding changes, so make sure to stay in the know. 
  5. Stay calm! If you are nervous, you can’t do your best. You can always retake the test if you need to, so stay relaxed! 
libby

resting my mind while playing sports, by EM

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This article was written for yooou! by 12-year-old, EM.

Want to find your happiness but in a physical way? I have the perfect thing for you!

Sports is the one thing in the world that just takes my mind off everything. Whenever I am stressed, anxious or nervous for something, I take my self away and have time to myself. When I play sports I feel whole, like I am a full piece of myself!

Sports, such as swimming, is my ideal place to take a breath. Swimming is my happy place really, I just love being out and underwater as the water soaks up my skin and bubbles brush up my spine.

Another example is netball, one of my all time favourites! I love playing with my teammates on the netball court as each match just brings us closer and closer. It is a good team sport.

I would recommend for anyone out there to go and find a sport that you enjoy and make the most out of it, who knows if you may be amazing at it but if not then there are so many others!

Netball is a good mental and physical way for me to be happy, running around on the netball court, jumping so high to receive the ball and shooting the ball in the hoop. Swoosh.

I want to try and help other girls find their passion.

Especially in sports, I think that it is an amazing way to take your mind off things and also to get out of the house! Netball has changed me a lot, I have become more successful with my shooting and it has made my personality strong, confident and committed!

I recommend finding a sport which you enjoy, it helps with anything and everything. So there you have it, netball and swimming is my happiness and will forever be!

Now it’s time for you to find your happiness!

We have more articles on sports…To read 5 collegiate athletes’ thoughts and insights on sports, click here. To read a coach’s tips for trying out for a team, click here. And to read about sports and philanthropy, click here.

Amelia and Rivers

how our view of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) has changed in high school, by AS and RG

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This article was written for yooou! by 16-year-old, AS and 15-year-old, RG.

Amelia and Rivers are two sophomores on Parish Episcopal School’s high school Rover team, they met through robotics and soccer in middle school. Currently, they work alongside each other on the wheels and seats subgroup, and still play varsity soccer together.

Joining Rover was originally not planned, but thanks to encouragement from family and Parish staff, the once ambiguous engineering team helped change the way they view Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Despite how intimidating Rover was, by taking the leap and trying something new, Rover has now helped them gain confidence and develop long-lasting friendships with people they wouldn’t have met without Rover. Rover has also taught them that STEM isn’t exclusively for the smart or mechanically inclined, but rather anyone who wishes to put themselves out there and try something new. 

Rivers:

Growing up, I had little to no interest in anything STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related. I was the quiet kid in the corner always reading, my obsession with literature got me in a lot of trouble at school, ten year old me would rather read than do homework or listen to boring lectures. My parents desperately tried to get me to entertain other interests, whether it was sports, art, or even video games, but I refused every activity thrown my way.

That is, until I was signed up for FIRST LEGO™ League (FLL) Robotics during my first year at Parish. Programming and building little robots provided me the opportunity to develop my organizational and leadership skills. I easily managed my team as I maintained the job of documentation, problem solving, and creating a project for us to present at the competition in December. Near the end of my time with robotics my teacher recommended I look into joining Rover for high school. 

Initially, Rover was overwhelming, and different from FLL robotics. The space, people, and responsibilities were all new to me, not to mention how everyone else always knew exactly what to do and how to do it.

My confusion was recognized among the upperclassmen, and I was quickly taken under their wing. Two girls in particular, Chloe and Ella* both welcomed me with open arms, they taught me how to use a pantorouter (a special tool used to cut mortise and tenon joints in wood), a hole saw, and always made sure I never injured myself in the wood shop.

Soon, they became life coaches, I was and still am regularly coached by them about staying caught up in school and keeping up with my mental health. I was never judged for struggling to navigate a new space, but rather guided and encouraged to try new things.

Overall, Rover helped me mature and progress beyond middle school. The busy environment oftentimes felt stressful, but as I adjusted, it proved to be more intellectually challenging than scary or nerve-racking. 

Amelia:

My first real exposure to engineering was when I joined my school’s robotics team, in 6th grade. I formed a team with 3 other girls and went to work building and programming a robot to do tasks. I definitely excelled at the strategy part of the competition, as I am a very organized person and like to have a well thought out plan.

On my 6th grade team, the team was structured by our coach. However, when I returned in 8th grade, I got the chance to lead my team. From the beginning our team was well organized and always had a plan. However, this was not always the case, as the competition got closer the more mayhem ensued.

Robotics taught me to be more flexible and open to others ideas. 

In my freshman year of high school, I decided to join the Rover Team. I had my eyes set on being on the Rover team since 5th grade. In 5th grade, I was a part of the math club where I met a high schooler who was on the Rover team. I instantly was fascinated by what she was able to do and build.

When I joined Rover, my freshman year, it was a whole new experience. I had no idea what to do and for the most part just followed around older members of the team pitching in here and there as I could. As the year went on, I learned more of how things were run and gained confidence.

The first year of Rover was definitely overwhelming. Just getting adjusted to high school is hard enough as it is, but then with all the components and moving parts of Rover, some days I would come home with my head spinning.

But something started to happen, as I got more involved and acclimated to the pace of high school and the team, I began to find my place on this extraordinary team. Seeing a group of students with diverse interests and ages come together to design and build two functional rovers from the ground up in under a school year, was just incredible.

It was an easy decision when school rolled around again to join Rover for another year. This year, I knew more and more was expected of me. It did take me awhile to get back into the rhythms of school and Rover, after a spring of online school because of the pandemic, but I was excited about what was to come.

The biggest challenge, so far, this year has been realizing that I can’t just follow the older members. I have the opportunity and knowledge to take the reins and help lead my group.  In just two years Rover has taught me so many valuable lessons. I had to learn to speak up for myself and communicate in a manner that would get the point across but I also had to listen and value others’ opinions.

I had to keep a very organized schedule because as a varsity soccer player, a member of the Rover team, and school work,  I was always busy. 

Choosing to participate in STEM classes or teams can be daunting, especially as a young girl in a male dominated area. Joining a team like Rover has taught us that regardless of age, gender, or hobbies, everyone has their role and not everyone has to be a genius.

We all bring something unique to the table. There are a handful of athletes, artists, and musicians, all connected by their desire to try something new and build something together. 

 

About the Rover Challenge:  Every year in Huntsville, Alabama NASA holds the Human Exploration Rover Challenge, also known as HERC. 100 different high schools and colleges from around the world compete against one another on human-powered vehicles designed and made by students. These teams must cross extreme terrains that replicate obstacles one would encounter on different planets, such as high buttes, sand dunes, undulating terrain, ice geysers, craters, etc. Additionally, excursion tasks similar to those conducted by the Apollo astronauts are completed along the way. Rovers must finish the course within 8 minutes.

Parish Episcopal School (Dallas, TX) is home to the only high school Rover team in Texas.  In 2019, Parish Episcopal School was a recipient of the AIAA Neil Armstrong Best Design Award, Team Spirit Award, and AIAA Best Report Award.  The 2020 HERC in-person competition was preempted due to COVID, however we still received the AIAA Best Report Award.

 

*real names were not used

 

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