Hello, my name is Elias Hoban and I'm an 8th grade student attending Golda Meir School. I've been a part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program at my school for the past 3 years and have been given many opportunities to compete and get involved in the STEM field.
I'm part of my school's High School FTC (First® Tech Challenge) robotics team. We meet weekly at the Milwaukee School of Engineering Stem Center to design and code our robot.
Being a member of this team has given me the opportunity to meet with professional engineers and others in the STEM community. This has allowed me to connect with experts who are able to help me solve problems and create solutions for what I'm working on.
Last year, I entered the Badger State Science and Engineering Fair (BSSEF). I spent hours and hours preparing for this competition and learned how to use new tools, including a soldering iron and a 3D printer, in order to create my prototype. This was my first solo competition in the STEM field, so I wanted to make sure to be prepared for the judging. Because of all the work and research I put into creating my invention, I won several awards, including the Lemelson Early Inventor Award and first place in the overall competition. In addition, I was nominated to compete at the national level of this STEM competition since I did so well at the state.
STEM is just one of the many activities and programs that I participate in. I am also very involved in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) program as the first trumpet in the Wind Ensemble. In order to grow my skills as a trumpet player, I take weekly lessons through the CIVIC music program and take part in different competitions such as Solo and Ensemble.
Aside from my passion for music and STEM, I also enjoy participating in Cross Country and Track. Being a part of these running sports has helped me learn how to push through, even when things feel hard. I have learned that running is not only a physical sport, but it is also a mental challenge. I have to push myself physically to keep running, but I have to mentally keep telling myself that I can keep going in order to cross the finish line.
It's also very important to me to always push myself to be in advanced classes. I am currently enrolled in three different high school classes. I am a part of my school’s eleventh-grade French class, the ninth-grade English class, and Pre Advanced Placement Algebra 1.
Next year, I'll be attending Marquette University High School, where I'll be able to participate in their FRC robotics team. I'm really excited about their FRC team and their Science Olympiad team as it will give me even more opportunities to get involved in the STEM world. These extra opportunities to learn will help me become even more knowledgeable in this field.
I'm so grateful for all the people who help me in STEM and all my other interests.
- Elias Hoban, Guest Student Blogger, Golda Meir School
