Mentoring with Future Focus21c and the First LEGO League

Image Credit: Future Focus21c Edu

At Future Focus21c, we believe that mentorship is a powerful tool for learning, leadership, and innovation. Our paid peer internship programme offers young people the opportunity to step into leadership roles. This year, Aoife Hurley from Coláiste na Sceilge, took on the role of peer mentor, supporting First Lego League teams as they explored robotics, coding, and innovation projects. As part of Aoife's Gaisce, she is supporting teams across the FLL programme, from coaching participants through teamwork challenges to fostering problem-solving skills, her journey as mentor has been both rewarding and transformative. We sat down with Aoife to hear their reflections on leadership, teamwork, and the impact of the programme on their personal growth. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I'm Aoife. I'm 16 and in TY in Colaiste na Sceilge. I play football and basketball and I like inspiring young people, especially girls, to pursue STEM activities.

In your own words, can you describe your peer mentorship?

I find it a very fun and enjoyable experience. It is a great way to meet new people who share your interests and I can see lots of friendships blooming already. I also like the fact that it is a less stressful position than when I was actually competing in it, although I do miss building the robots.

Why did you decide to take on a peer mentorship role with Future Focus21c as mentors for First LEGO League (FLL)?

I am doing this mentoring as part of my Gaisce for the community involvement section, in order to get the bronze award. Gaisce is also known as the presidential award and you have to do 13 weeks of community involvement, as well as personal development and physical recreation, where you then choose to do another 13 weeks in one of those options. 

Image Credit: Future Focus21c Edu

What are some memorable moments for you?

The most memorable moment for me so far has been getting a girls team that I can mentor and inspire. Hopefully, it will encourage more girls to join and pursue STEM subjects.

What specific skills, such as teamwork, communication, or technical knowledge, have you developed through this experience?

I have learned how and improved my presentation and communication skills

Can you share an example of a moment where you felt you have made a positive impact on the participants you are coaching? 

One way I positively impacted a participant was by showing them how the code works and how to make the robot move where they want it to go. I also helped them to communicate better as I confiscate their phones before each session and place them on a table where they can retrieve them later. I also encourage them to include everyone in their decision-making

What has been the most challenging aspect of mentoring? Why have you found it challenging? How are you working on overcoming it?

For me, the most challenging aspect this year has been getting the group to listen when we are explaining the task we want them to do, especially with the group being loud sometimes

We try to overcome this by asking them to be quiet before we start talking in order for our points regarding the task to be heard clearly. 

How do you think participating in the First LEGO League (FLL) helps young people develop essential life skills?

I think by participating in FLL, young people develop problem-solving and teamwork communication skills, which are essential life skills for school and work.

Image Credit: Future Focus21c Edu

What do you believe are the most valuable lessons for participants from this program?

I believe that the most valuable lesson for participants to get out of this programme is the skills they learn along the way and the resilience that comes with it. It is a great skill to develop. You learn to stick with something hard, and because of it, you come out with a great result in the end, even if you failed many times. This is especially true with the building and coding of the robot, which involves a lot of trial and error.

You took part in FLL as participants; how do you think it helped you as mentors?

 Personally, I think participation in FLL before I did the mentoring helped me get an insight into what it's like to compete and build the robot and hopefully help them to overcome some of the challenges I faced and learned from. By previous participation, I can also give the new participants ideas on what the competition day is like.

In what ways has this mentorship influenced how you look at leadership or teaching others?

By doing this mentorship, I have confirmed my enjoyment of working with my peers and children in 5th class and above. I also enjoy inspiring and helping others, so I may consider doing a leadership or teaching role in the future.

What advice would you give to future mentors or interns joining the program to ensure a positive and impactful experience?

I would encourage future mentors to form good relationships with their participants and be willing to learn as much from them as they do from you. It is also essential that you are willing to adapt the way different people want and are able to learn and encourage everyone to try new things.

Do you have anything else to add?

I would highly recommend anyone interested in participating in FLL to try it.

The regional finals are at the end of February, what are your top tips for the teams as they prepare?

I would recommend that all the teams try their best and have lots of fun, as every experience is one you can learn from.

You can watch our progress so far in our year-to-date reel The Future is Now.

It is time to prepare ALL today's learners for today’s world.