From his beginnings as a student of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 5960 – Stronghold, to becoming a Texas Mentor, Carlos Hernandez has continuously used the skills he developed during his four years on Team 5960 to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators. His journey with FIRST began in 2016, his freshman year of high school, when he discovered his passion for robotics. Reflecting on that time, Carlos shares, “When you’re 14 years old, it’s not hard to crave the thrill and excitement from a FIRST program.” Through FIRST, Carlos gained invaluable skills that extended far beyond the classroom, such as robot design, coding, and working with power tools. He fondly recalls the moment his coaches first handed him the controls to drive the robot. These experiences fueled his growth and inspired him to pursue a degree in Computer Science at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
After graduating high school, Carlos began volunteering with FIRST RGV, assisting with FIRST Tech Challenge events. This new role gave him a fresh perspective, allowing him to experience the excitement of FIRST through the eyes of younger students. “No event is too small to make an impact on students,” Carlos says, emphasizing the significance of everything from local league meets to state championships. His transition to mentorship began with a pivotal phone call from his former coach, who invited him to help lead a new community based FIRST Robotics Competition team, 8573 Rogue Rangers: LEGACY. Initially unsure of his qualifications, Carlos hesitated, but his gratitude for the support his coaches had given him inspired him to take the leap. Over five years as a mentor, he has guided students in developing both technical skills, like coding and engineering, and soft skills, such as teamwork and communication. Carlos describes the unique dynamic of mentoring a community-based team: “I have the opportunity to teach students to work with people they might not have before joining the team. Since many of our students also compete on their school’s FTC teams, they learn to overcome seeing each other as competitors—this is exactly what FIRST is all about.”
In February 2023, Carlos was officially signed as a FIRST in Texas Mentor, a role that allows him to support teams in an official capacity. Despite this achievement, he continues to give back to his roots, volunteering at every event in the Rio Grande Valley and fostering connections with local coaches. When asked about his favorite moments as a mentor, Carlos highlights the joy of watching students grow in confidence. “Confidence looks different for every student,” he explains. For a driver, it might be the comfort of piloting a robot in a high-pressure match, while for an electrician, it could be the ability to fix a wiring issue on the spot. Witnessing students overcome challenges and discover their potential is what keeps him passionate about mentoring.
Carlos’ approach to mentoring is simple yet impactful: “If each student learns at least one thing during the season, that’s a job well done.” He strives to create an environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and realize that a STEM career is within reach. He adapts his guidance to each student’s needs, offering hands-on help when necessary or stepping back to let them find their own solutions. “It’s like teaching a child to ride a bike,” he says. For Carlos, the motto “More Than Robots” perfectly encapsulates the essence of FIRST. While robots draw students in, they are ultimately tools for teaching life skills that extend far beyond competitions. One of Carlos’ greatest challenges has been overcoming imposter syndrome. Starting as a young mentor, he doubted his ability to teach and connect with students. However, the unwavering support of his former coaches helped him realize, “Even if I don’t know everything, I have the tools to figure things out alongside my students. Sometimes they teach me as much as I teach them.” To those considering becoming mentors but feeling unprepared, Carlos offers this advice: “You’re never going to feel completely ready, but no progress is made without challenges.”
Carlos hopes to be remembered for sparking a love of STEM in his students and inspiring them to give back to the programs that shaped them. He aspires to leave a legacy of passion, growth, and innovation, both within his own team and the broader community. Thank you, Carlos Hernandez, for your dedication. Mentors like you are the reason we continue to see passion and potential in the next generation of innovators.
