Senior Profile
Name: Laura Mason
Number of Years on the Team: 4
Why I Joined: I first heard of Buzz 7 years ago when I
attended the Program of Studies night for my brother
Alec, who was a freshman at that time. For the next
three years, I listened to my brother talk about how
much he enjoyed meetings and competitions, many I
attended also. From these, I quickly learned about
FIRST’s “hardest fun you’ll ever have” motto and de-
cided to apply to the team when I started high school
due to my interest in engineering.
Favorite Part of Buzz: My favorite part of Buzz is the
community surrounding the team. Often times students or mentors will joke that we
are the “Buzz family”, however, the encouraging atmosphere of our team makes this
comment true. When people outside of Buzz discuss the team, most comment on the
“crazy hours” or how people on the team have no life outside of the team. Yet, with
these “crazy hours” and incredible amounts of time spent with the team, the bonds
created within Buzz become special. Buzz is in many ways a family for the students
and mentors on the team; Buzz supports them, encourages them, assists them, has
fun times and stressful times, laughs and frustration. Everyone on the team is dedi-
cated and friendly. The exciting and ever-engaging nature of FIRST has created
teams with the strength to push through both failure and success. Buzz Robotics is a
team of mentors and friends that I am thankful for having joined.
Most Memorable Moment of Buzz: The moment that stands out to me the most of
all my time with Buzz is the World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri during my
freshman year. I clearly remember the first time I walked into the gigantic stadium
and for the first time fully processed the scale of FIRST. Over the past multiple
months, the team had worked hard in the shop at our local high school to built our
bot. Yet now we sat in a football stadium filled with people of all ages who stood for
the power of STEAM on the future. Cheering for our robot and our alliance with the
team during the competition was the most exciting moment I’ve experienced.
Future Plans: I plan to major in political science and minor in history at a four-year
undergraduate college then possibly beyond in further education.
Issue 1: January 13, 2019
PAGE 5