Regional Conference Wrap-up
As always, this year’s NSBE Fall Regional Conferences (FRCs) excited attendees with events and activities for education, as well as for fun. The conferences inspired members to work ever harder to fulfill NSBE’s mission and motivated each region to try to outdo the others by putting on the best and biggest FRC ever! Here are two of the NSBE Jr. members who wrote to tell us about their experiences. You can read more in NSBE Bridge online at www.nsbe.org.
Region III
Icsis J. Smith, First-Year Member
University of Alabama–Tuscaloosa NSBE Jr. Chapter
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
This has been the best experience of my life. However, before the fun could begin there was a lot of work to do to get prepared for our Kid Zone Tech Bowl competition. We practiced for our competition and worked endless hours on preparing our science fair projects to present. Our team captain, Ms. Hodges, and advisor, Mr. Anderson, made sure that we were prepared and constantly reminded us of the things we needed to do to be ready before the big day. I must admit I was a little nervous at first, because I wasn’t sure of how I would do in the competition. But as the time grew near, I grew more anxious and couldn’t wait to put all of my hard work to action.
This was my first NSBE trip, and I had the time of my life. All of the hard work was worth it. There were so many things that I enjoyed about this trip. We traveled to Atlanta, Ga., on a huge charter bus which was filled with some of my closest friends. We laughed, played with our PSP games and practiced for our big competition. After doing this for awhile, I took a very long nap, and before long, we had arrived in Atlanta, Ga. The next day came very quickly, and it was time for us to present our projects. I enjoyed having the opportunity to present my project and discuss what I did. I learned a lot about science, and we also learned about many famous people.
The Kids Bowl was a great experience! Although we did not win first place, we still learned a lot of information that will help us in our next competition. During our trip, we participated in many fun activities and ate a lot of delicious food. I enjoyed a lot of things, but I think that the best activity of all was when my Kids Bowl buds got all dressed up like big girls and we went to a dance. We had a blast. Our liturgical dance team from our church ministered a song in Atlanta. This was fun because we really enjoy dancing!
We stayed in a very nice hotel, and we had wonderful chaperones. We stayed up very late at night, and we all had a big cup of cappuccino which made us very hyper. On the way home, we stopped by the mall to do a little shopping…. This was fun. I was very sad to see this trip come to an end, but I am excited we are planning another trip. This time we are off to Canada. This was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot of things about science.
Freddie Washington, Parliamentarian
University of Alabama–Tuscaloosa NSBE Jr. Chapter
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The 2009 Region III Fall Regional Conference was held in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 6–8. During the three-hour trip from my hometown of Tuscaloosa, Ala., to Atlanta, I could hardly contain my excitement. This would be my third regional conference, but I knew if this one would be anything like the last two, I was in for a great treat.
Shortly after checking into the Crowne Plaza Hotel, we were driven to the Georgia Tech campus for a visit. We were escorted around the campus by a Georgia Tech student representative. The campus was impressive, especially the recreation center, which included an Olympic-size pool and a rock-climbing wall. Being on the campus really gave me a taste of the college experience that I am eager to be a part of one day. During the visit, a student from the engineering department piqued my interest with a crane demonstration. The demonstration showed us strategies regarding building and placement of a crane in a large inner city area. This will allow a crane operator to hit a predetermined target without damaging other structures.
The International Fair was held at the hotel and included posters showing the cultures of different countries. There were numerous speakers at the conference from different countries, such as Kenya and Turks & Caicos. We learned about the countries’ economics, music and food. I was impressed by the different presentations from the speakers and was intrigued by the information that I learned.
My project for this year’s Fall Regional Science Fair was “battery power.” I was excited about my project and ecstatic when it won second place. But after the conference, I accidentally left my project, which was in a black box, on a table, and it was found by hotel security. Well, after the security guard looked into the box and saw the copper wiring, he was alarmed and contacted the police, who in turn contacted the bomb squad. Upon the arrival of the bomb squad, my project was investigated, and it was determined not to be a threat. I was questioned for quite some time by a detective from the police, but luckily they realized that I was just a kid with a science project.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself this year at the Fall Regional Conference, and I have many memories and stories to tell concerning my visit.
Veranda K. Melton, Parent of Damon Melton
University of Alabama–Tuscaloosa NSBE Jr. Chapter, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
I had the opportunity to attend my first NSBE Fall Regional Conference this past fall. I was overwhelmed with the level of professionalism that I witnessed from such a young group of individuals. The attire was one of the first things that caught my eye. I am used to seeing baggy blue jeans and T-shirts over-accessorized with jewelry. It was very refreshing to see the sea of black suits and dresses, and the manner in which every person approached me was so pleasant and inviting.
I found the information in the sessions very informative. The sessions provided ample break time and were presented very well. It was given on a level that my 14 year-old could identify with and that also inspired both of us to look further into the world of engineering. We really enjoyed the tour to Georgia Tech. We were amazed at the many amenities and the fact that they have tutors available was a plus. The tour was very organized, and our guides took time out to explain small details that were of special interest to the parents.
I loved the atmosphere and the sense of “higher standards.” It gave me comfort that we as a culture can be leaders and hold positions at the level I have seen these young adults hold them. I was also very impressed with the number of things NSBE is involved in and has to offer. I really liked the different programs, the presentations, the different age groups and that the judges were very attentive to the children. They helped them to see their mistakes and also praised their efforts.
The leadership of the chair was outstanding, and they made every age group feel a part of their vision. I wished this was available for me when I was younger, and I am so glad my child has the opportunity to be a part of something so positive.
I am so glad that I took the time to experience this conference, and I hope to attend many more.
Region IV
Dekonti Davies, President
Chicago State PCI NSBE Jr. Chapter, Chicago, Ill.
Before I could even walk, I have been attending the NSBE conferences. I love NSBE. It is a huge part of my life. NSBE is my family. I had a wonderful time at the 2009 NSBE Region IV Fall Regional Conference, held in Columbus, Ohio.
My team and I participated in the Engineering Design Competition, and we won first place. Since September, we worked on designing and programming a robot using the Lego NXT kit. This competition was a lot of fun. I learned a great deal about math and science. I was able to use the knowledge that I gained in physics to solve problems as they related to the robot. I also learned how to work in a group and how to manage my time. The robot competition was the most exciting part of the conference for me.
I also participated in the Scientific Design Competition and won first place. I really enjoy the science fair, and this conference gave me a chance to display my hard work. I met mentors and engineers who enjoyed hearing about my project. They gave me advice on how to improve my project and suggestions on summer programs that focus on science and engineering.
We attending the talent show competition, and students from my chapter won first and second place. I was so proud of the Chicago State University chapter.
Thanks, NSBE, for all of your support. Thanks for all of the NSBE love. Thanks for providing us with educational opportunities and activities and events. I cannot wait for the Anuual Convention.
Glorielle Williams, Member
Chicago State PCI NSBE Jr. Chapter, Chicago, Ill.
Nov. 7, 2009 was in fact a day that was most memorable for me. It was the day our engineering team went down to Columbus, Ohio, for our robotics competition.
When we boarded the plane, I did not know what to expect. I was extremely nervous. I was more than nervous, I was terrified. I wanted to do well and didn’t quite know if I could do what needed to be done as industrial engineer. When we arrived, we got right to work, finishing some last-minute assignments to make sure everything was perfect for our presentation. The process we had to undergo to complete everything was very much “easier said than done.” Everyone’s stress level was high (especially mine). My biggest problem was speaking in front of people. Some of my fellow teammates ever so clearly articulated that they thought since I was so bossy, talked so much and danced with no problem in front of people then there should have been no difficulty for me to do my speech. Well, they were definitely wrong. It even got to the point where I was crying because I thought I was going to do so bad. But with the encouragement of my advisor and fellow teammates, I was able to overcome my fear and (if I may say so myself) “nail” the oral presentation.
This competition really opened my eyes to quite a few things. For one thing, it helped me see that if your focus and time isn’t there from the beginning, you will find it fairly hard to get on top of things once it’s time for assignments to be completed. Last, I believe the most important thing I learned was that teamwork really is important. That particular thing is always being said, but I guess it doesn’t really seem true or really seem like it’s that important until you’re the one actually in the situation.
Our team advisor told me that it was good for us to go through all that we did, because it made us understand the true intensity of the competition and how much work we really needed to do beforehand for our competitions in the future to be a success. So, although it was hard, it was really an eye-opener and made me sit down and really think about what must be done for the next time. Aside from that, I enjoyed myself. I never went to a competition like that before. Seeing so many young, intelligent, African-American aspiring engineers was so encouraging. What made it so awesome was knowing that our black people do have great minds and can be successful in life. Not always doing drugs, getting pregnant and being failures but achieving great things, using their abilities in a positive way, rising to the occasion and “killing it.” This trip was so amazing, and I am so honored to be a part of this competition. (Inter)nationals here we come!
Region V
Christopher McCullough, Member
San Antonio City Wide NSBE Jr. Chapter
San Antonio, Texas
The Region V Fall Regional Conference was pretty fun, and I had a good time in Tulsa. As a middle school student, I thought Regionals weren’t going to be that interesting, because we would have to go to meetings and practice for our competition. But, I watched other teams compete and enjoyed practicing with my own team. I participated in the Middle School Engineering Design Competition and was the electrical engineer. I also assisted with the programming and design of our robot. As the electrical engineer, I learned to pay attention to how much battery the robot had. Also, I gave my best effort to present loudly and clearly to the audience. We received first place in the competition. At a NSBE conference in Region V, someone can learn how to manage his or her money and meet other students and business leaders from around the region. I look forward to going to Canada for the Annual Convention and show how hard my team worked on our robot.
Joi C. Stevens, Member
San Antonio City Wide NSBE Jr. Chapter
San Antonio, Texas
Hello, fellow NSBE members, I am honored to speak about my personal experiences at this year’s Region V Fall Regional Conference in Tulsa, Okla. (Oct. 29–Nov. 1). This year is my first full year being a NSBE Jr. member; therefore, this year’s Fall Regional Conference was my first, but most definitely not my last. When I arrived at the Marriott Southern Hills Hotel for the first time, I was greeted by NSBE members, directing me where to go and asking questions to learn my interests. One of the members even helped me with picking colleges that she felt would suit my personality appropriately. I was impressed that the members of the organization were so interactive and sincere.
Opening Session was exceptional. I was unaware that the decrease in engineers in the United States is a national security crisis, especially in the minority community. Although I was unsure before the conference whether I wanted to pursue an engineering degree in college, Region V FRC made up my mind! The PCI (Pre-College Initiative) Chill Social/Ice Cream Social was surprisingly enriching. Many of the questions I had about NSBE and college life were answered.
Also, I participated in the Try-Math-A-Lon World competition at the FRC. It was thrilling to win first place at my first competition, because our TMAL World team worked incredibly hard, studying and practicing problems, strategies and formulas to excel at the competition.
I recommend that every NSBE Jr. student attend FRC. I learned concrete facts about the state of the economy, how to communicate effectively with other people and what steps I need to take in high school to impact my future and my community. I’m not just a future engineer; I’m a piece of the puzzle in solving global issues. Thanks to my fellow NSBE members of Region V for helping me reach this conclusion.
How deep? Five deep!
Region VI
East Bay NSBE Jr. Chapter, Pittsburg, Calif.
East Bay NSBE Jr. Middle School and High School Engineering Design Competition teams took first place in their categories at NSBE’s Region VI Fall Regional Conference in Long Beach, Calif., this past November. Two East Bay Middle School Engineering Design Competition Teams took second and third place, and the chapter’s third through fifth grade Kid Zone Academic Technical Bowl teams took first and third place. Each winning team received certificates and medals for its accomplishments, during the conference’s Closing Ceremony. The East Bay team’s competitors were other NSBE Jr. teams in Region VI — from Washington, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada — which makes this a significant victory for our chapter. We owe many thanks to Oracle, our volunteers, coaches, teachers and parents for their continued support of East Bay NSBE Jr.
The funds provided by Oracle help pay our facility use fees to Pittsburg Unified School District. They also pay for lunches for the Saturday meetings, robotics equipment and supplies, They also covered travel expenses to the Region VI Fall Regional Conference, for the Academic Technical Bowl competitions and Robotics Competitions. During the conference, the students attended workshops, participated in hands-on science projects, model rocketry and other engaging activities involving engineering at California State University, Long Beach’s (CSULB’s) Engineering Department. The NSBE collegiate members at CSULB hosted the conference.
We have completed our 10-week fall session and will be starting up again for 10 weeks beginning Jan. 23. This is the fifth year in which we have had 100 percent high school graduation and 100 percent college-going rates among our students, who successfully complete our Saturday Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Tutoring and Robotics Programs. Many of our students go on to major in engineering in college.
East Bay NSBE Jr. teams are looking forward to the next round of competitions at NSBE’s 36th Annual Convention, March 31–April 4, 2010, in Toronto, Canada. Last year at the Annual Convention, our High School Engineering Design Competition team took first place. The team is hoping to repeat that performance.
Our members, volunteers, parents, coaches and teachers are in the process of organizing a robotics event that will invite other robotics teams, the public, sponsors, family and friends. The event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 10 at Pittsburg High Gymnasium. Pittsburg, Calif., from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For updates and more information about our programs, you may visit our website at www.EastBayNSBEJr.org; contact Frances Wilson, East Bay NSBE Jr. Chapter advisor by phone at (925) 565-3024 or by e‑mail advisor@eastbaynsbejr.org; or visit NSBE’s website at www.NSBE.org.
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