Cherry Pi Team 11411 is a community based, third year First Tech Challenge team, and includes students from THREE DIFFERENT grades, FOUR DIFFERENT school districts, and FIVE DIFFERENT schools. Brought together by a collective interest and enthusiasm for robotics, we develop robots to compete in the First Tech Challenge. In addition to pursuing our passion for solving problems, we believe strongly in inspiring those around us to embark into STEM-related fields and have demonstrated our robot at several different locations. Our eventual goal is to develop a fully autonomous robot and spread the message of gracious professionalism to our family, friends, and community.
Ruslana Fogler
Team Captain
As someone who had hardly any software or hardware skills prior to entering FTC as a member of team Cherry Pi, it might seem blatantly obvious why I joined. Through FIRST, I could study computer science, acquire understanding in building machines, and perhaps gain some friends along the way. All of those reasons are indisputably correct, but also don't quite capture my vision. FTC isnt simply concerning robotics and inner teamwork; it's an effective simulation of any adult workplace environment. There are hurdles and challenges to be met and faced together, people to work amongst and encourage, teams and experts to contact and exchange information with, impressions to create and maintain, impacts on the community to be made, etc. All in all, it presents an excellent opportunity to pursue more and more while working in a fun and realistic environment along with dear, cherished friends.
The most important things that matter to me in life is self-betterment and telling horrible jokes.
Nathan (Bryson) Lan
Webmaster
I am Nathan Lan, eighth grade and I go to Bowditch Middle School. I have been with first for 3 years.(This is my third) I joined because I saw an opportunity to advance in engineering and science when I was offered acceptance to the team. I was (and still am) really interested in technology and engineering, and FTC was the perfect place to exercise these interests. My main role on the team as of current is the web developer (I know, our website needs help). I was originally part of the hardware group, but later integrated into both hardware and software groups. The skills gathered from FTC are essential, as most innovations nowadays are technological. Teamwork and communication are also part of the process of FTC, and without these, technological innovations would be next to none.
Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.
Jessica Li
=O.O=
My name is Jessica Li, and I am an ninth grader at Canyon Crest Academy. When I first joined Cherry Pi and FTC this summer, I didn't know a thing about software or hardware. So when I had the chance to be a part of this team, I was ecstatic for an opportunity to further my knowledge in both areas, as well as engineering. Not only was I presented with new challenges and obstacles to overcome, I made new friends and learned so many new things. Whether it be in school or in life, the importance of teamwork will help each day go by smoother. Joining Cherry Pi was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I may not be the smartest or most capable in my team, but I have no doubt in my mind that learning alongside my friends and sharing experiences together will help me grow.
something awesome I said
Charles Paxson
Lead Hardware & 3D Designer
My name is Charles Paxson, and I am in eighth grade. This is my fourth year participating in FIRST. FTC matches my interests perfectly, as I have always had a passion for building and designing objects. The aspect I love most about FTC is being involved in a creation that is entirely original, and making that object move. FTC has contributed greatly to my development in character. In the beginning, it was the satisfaction of making something work that drove me, but now, I realize the worth in endeavoring alongside others to accomplish something--that even though the end result is critical, it's the journey that really matters. I enjoy doing both code and hardware, so my capabilities span multiple areas, but this year, I've been mostly working on hardware, rather than software. I apply the core values of FTC at school, and have recognized that whether we win or lose, we are still gracious professionals. FTC has taught me valuable lessons about the importance of working with others, allowed me to learn about numerous topics, and most importantly, has allowed me to have a lot of fun.
No, because I work at the muffin factory!
Nick Song
Software
FTC has been an interesting experience for me and will continue to be for a very long time. Not only have I learned essential programming skills, but I have also had the experience of being in a team. In addition, I have also had lots of fun, and will every year, trying to figure out the best ways to get points. Even though programming skills are very nice to have, the most important part of FTC is the team you're with. They support you, and create unforgettable friends to last a lifetime.
Well then..! That's an 'L'.
Karen Sun
Lead Communications & Outreach
My name is NingXin Sun, and I am an eighth grade student at Mesa Verde Middle School. I center my life around finding newer, more intriguing things to try for the sake of satiating whatever curiosity I may have had. Technology is the foundation and progress of our common community, the world, and I feel becoming more acquainted with technology, such as learning to create high-tech robots from scratch and utilize coding in physical ways through FTC, is directly synonymous with becoming more acquainted with the modern world encompassing us. Like how languages connect peoples, I believe this sort of technology can unite those who wish to see incredible sights built with their own strength.
Soup.
Daniel Xu
Software & Graphic Designer
Daniel has never had an opportunity like FIRST Tech Challenge to learn code and put it to use. He joined the team to learn, and most importantly, practice using Java in a competitive competition. Another aspect, which was equally as important, was the fact that he could work in a friendly and sociable team environment. Such a chance allowed him to gain some desperately needed social skills, as well as a life.
I've got a problem.