Summer Robotics Camp Inspires Future Innovators at Troy High School

by Alicia, 9th grade

This summer, students had the unique opportunity to explore the world of robotics through the Summer Robotics Camp, hosted by Troy High School’s V5RC team 98601 at the Fullerton Public Library. Designed for beginners, the camp welcomed students with no prior experience, making it an accessible and engaging introduction to engineering and programming.

The camp ran from July 16 to July 19, with sessions held from 3 to 7 PM on weekdays and 1 to 5 PM on Saturday. Over three days, students immersed themselves in hands-on learning, starting with the basics of robotics and the Engineering Design Process. From brainstorming and prototyping to testing and refining, participants learned how to think like engineers and problem-solvers.

One of the highlights of the camp was the chance to build and program a functioning robot. Guided by experienced student instructors from Troy High School’s award-winning robotics team, campers worked collaboratively to bring their designs to life. This hands-on approach not only sparked creativity but also helped students develop real-world STEM skills in a supportive environment.

The camp also introduced students to the VEX Robotics V5 High School Competition, providing a glimpse into what competitive robotics looks like at the high school level. This preview served as a source of inspiration for many students, showing them what’s possible if they choose to pursue robotics further.

The Summer Robotics Camp offered incredible value. It combined expert instruction, hands-on experience, and a fun learning environment. Whether participants left with a new hobby or a future career interest, this camp was a powerful first step into the exciting world of robotics.

A Summer in Psychology

by Yoyo, 7th grade

For students, summer is an ideal time to explore their interests by taking on internships that help build real-world experience. This summer, 16-year-old Jane Pan is expanding her knowledge in the field of psychology by learning more about mental health and related careers in psychology. As an intern at the Youth Mental Health Academy, Jane is contributing to a research project and discovering what it takes to work in psychology.

Jane found out about the internship when she looked up psychology internships for high schoolers, and she was recommended to the program by a friend. Jane was drawn to the opportunity because of her curiosity about psychology.

“I’m really interested in psychology and I want to pursue a mental health-related field in the future,” she says.
From Monday through Thursday, Jane attends lectures and meets with her capstone project group to work on research for their presentation and paper. They read peer-reviewed articles and work with their mentors to put together a research project. For Jane, one of the most interesting parts of her internship so far was attending her first career fair.

“We learned about behavioral therapists and wellness coaches, and how there are a lot of different careers that you can pursue in mental health besides just being a clinical psychologist. I really liked that career fair because it opened up a lot of opportunities in different mental health fields for all of us interns,” she explains.

Jane’s internship has helped her grow in more ways than one. While she has gained valuable skills, the experience has not been without challenges.

As she puts it, “In the very beginning, it was difficult to get accustomed to it because this is my first time ever doing an internship or having any work experience. It was hard because I didn’t know anybody yet, but once I got out of my comfort zone and reached out to people to get to know them, it became a lot easier.”

The knowledge and experience Jane has gained from her internship will likely benefit her in the future, as she hopes to one day become a mental health specialist.

“I want to help people who have difficulties in their life regarding mental health, and this internship is just opening the pathways to me starting out in that field,” she shares.

Jane encourages other students to look for opportunities outside of the classroom that would benefit them in their long-term plans.

“It’s not always about the one that looks the best on a resume or the one that you can brag the most about, but it’s about choosing the internship that will help you reach your personal, specific goals,” she says.

For anyone interested in an internship like Jane’s, start by asking teachers, friends or even looking at organization websites online. You will never regret applying, and you might just find something that will fuel your passion for a future career!

Exploring Fullerton’s Parks

by Anastasia, 11th grade

August always sneaks up on me. One minute I’m sleeping in, and the next I’m Googling class schedules and wondering if I remember how to do math. So this year, how about we take a break from our phones and rooms and explore the nature of our city? There are many fun activities to do with friends, family, or by yourself when enjoying the great outdoors, and so many different parks that you can do so in!

One of Fullerton’s 53 parks will surely fit your perfect idea of an outdoor day, and the 28 miles of trails will leave you in awe of the nature and sights that Fullerton has to offer.

If you’re stuck on what to do on a sunny day, here are some ideas!

Picnic with friends or family

• Pack snacks, some fruit and lemonade, and set out to do an old-fashioned picnic with everyone. Bring card games and play Crazy 8’s or UNO!
• Make your day about enjoying the company and these fun moments before you have homework.
  Journal/Sketch
• Grab a notebook and a pen and focus on your surroundings. Enjoy the peace of your own company and, in the end, get something pretty out of it.

Read a book under a tree

• There’s no more aesthetic experience than bringing your favorite book, a blanket, and sitting in the shade of a beautiful tree, meant for your enjoyment.
• Being my personal favorite, I may be a little biased, but with some snacks and a great view, you could sit under that tree for hours.

Go on a walk or hike

• Go on a hike to see a pretty stream, a walk to a farmers market, or a slight jog if you want more exercise. Enjoy how the fresh air fills your lungs and how the breeze ruffles your hair. Even though it seems obvious that these activities are immensely good for your mind, body and soul, it’s surprising just how many benefits they have.
  For example, according to studies in the National Library of Medicine, our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting, which helps us concentrate and focus more effectively.
  Any type of physical activity outside has proven to reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in our bodies. It also reduces muscle tension, demands on our cardiovascular system and leads to lower rates of heart disease.
  Nature can also help to decrease your anxiety levels and improve your sleep, as exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep/wake cycles.

So, before the school bells start ringing, take a moment for yourself. Fullerton’s parks are places to breathe, reflect and reset, so use them! Whether you’re journaling under a tree, playing cards with friends or simply taking a walk, these small, peaceful moments can make a big difference in how you start the school year.