Birdhouses, photos, art, clothing and everything in-between filled the countless rows at the Technology Student Association (TSA) State conference. Students of all grades set up their creations alongside each other and had the opportunity to showcase their passion in the flesh.
Dozens of students went out to Fort Worth early April on a 3-day trip, where they displayed their projects and competed in several events. TSA offers a window for students to gain leadership opportunities and fosters personal development for those interested in STEM and more.
Sophomore Emily Fernandez attended the conference with her architecture, civil structure, aerospace, and mechanical drawings. She participated in 6 events and placed in 4 of them: 2nd place for two, 3rd place for one, and 8th in another.
“[TSA assists students interested in STEM] gain the concept of competition and working with others,” Fernandez said.
Besides preparing students for their future careers, TSA also encourages students new to STEM to explore those interests as well.
By continuing to work with TSA, there is hope to recruit “more girls because in TSA or STEM jobs in general, it’s very male-dominated,” Fernandez said. “I want to expand and be more inviting to people.”
The State conference is nowhere near limited, and within what they offer, students have high chances of receiving plenty of awards.
Sophomores Michelle Do and Agbenu Oche had achieved accomplishments just like Fernandez. Do created a birdhouse and pen for the conference. She had placed 1st for her birdhouse and 3rd for her pen. In fact, “around 50 people placed” for their own projects, Do said. Oche presented digital photos and a business document, and secured 4th place for her photos. “Langham Creek received 1st in division” as well, Oche said. Diversity embodies the wide selection of projects presented at TSA State, in which any hobby can be incorporated into the event.
Through collaborating and sharing ideas with fellow students, TSA attendees have gained precious memories and medals.
When asked if they were going to participate at TSA State again, the answer was obvious. “I was determined not to take TSA again,” Do said. “But after State–I think I’m going to do it for the rest of my two years.”
