Student Spotlight: Cecilia C, FTC Team 9626

Cecilia C has turned her FIRST experience into an opportunity to lead, connect, and create lasting impact beyond the robot.

Cecilia serves as the Head of Outreach and Social Impact for FIRST Tech Challenge Team 9626, The Hockabots. Now in her fifth year with FIRST, she began her journey in FIRST LEGO League, where she was Head of Build, before continuing into FTC and leaning into outreach and community engagement.

One of Cecilia’s favorite memories comes from her freshman year trip to the BUC Days Meet in Corpus Christi. Beyond the competition, it was the chance to bond with teammates and form lasting friendships that made the experience unforgettable. Those moments reminded her that while robotics is about innovation, it is also about the people you meet along the way.

Through her time in FTC, Cecilia has developed both technical and interpersonal skills. She has gained exposure to engineering and coding while strengthening her creativity, communication, and ability to collaborate with diverse teams. Being part of the problem solving process has helped her grow into a confident leader who enjoys bringing people together through outreach initiatives.

This season, Cecilia learned an important lesson about communication after realizing that not everyone on the team had clear direction during a library outreach event. The experience reinforced the importance of making sure everyone feels informed, included, and empowered to contribute.

She believes that one of the most overlooked aspects of FIRST is the community. While competition is a key element, Cecilia emphasizes that the friendships and mutual support between teams are what truly make the experience special. From meeting kind peers at tournaments to sharing ideas across teams, she has seen how collaboration defines the FIRST ecosystem.

Being part of FIRST has shaped how Cecilia approaches teamwork, leadership, and her future. She has learned how to navigate different team dynamics, lead with intention, and appreciate the value of building strong communities wherever she goes. The creativity she has developed through robotics also extends into her love of art and painting, showing how STEM skills can influence many areas of life.

Looking ahead, Cecilia is exploring interests that blend outreach, art, and business. While she may not pursue a strictly STEM career, she knows the mindset and skills she has gained will stay with her. She hopes to return one day as a mentor, supporting FTC or FLL teams in outreach and social impact.

For students considering joining FIRST, Cecilia offers simple advice: the community is what makes it extraordinary. Surrounded by passionate and driven peers, students are inspired to grow, create, and become the best version of themselves.