my team and community. I think since I’ve joined robotics, I’ve really been able to grow my communication skills and develop connections with others,” adds Kurashima. Assets’ students shine with success in robotics. Since its founding in 2016, the Assets robotics teams have garnered a long list of awards at both the state and world championships. At the 2024 FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas, this past April, Kurashima was named a 2023-2024 FIRST Tech Challenge Dean’s List Award Winner. This prestigious honor recognized Kurashima out of 200 robotics studentleaders from around the world for her leadership, commitment, passion, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, creativity, and ability to effectively increase awareness of to potential sponsors, plan out community events, and apply for grants on their own time,” Han continues. One of those students is Emily Kurashima, a current senior at Assets School. Following her older sister’s footsteps, she joined the school’s robotics program when she was in 9th grade because she “thought it was cool and wanted to be more hands-on with different stuff,” she says. “Being a robotics member, you’re given the chance to learn a wide range of skills, (including) how to design using CAD,” Kurashima describes. “I’ve also learned a bit of basic programming in Java, building, and how to use some machinery like a CNC cutter, laser cutters, 3D printers, drill presses, and miter saws.” “Besides being technical, robotics has allowed me to step up more as a leader for “Besides being technical, robotics has allowed me to step up more as a leader for my team and community.” 98 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 Emily Kurashima, captain of Assets Robotics ‘Team Waffles’, receives the Dean’s List Award from FIRST Tech Challenge.
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