"Ever since I can remember, my favorite weekend pastime was immersing myself in a Lego world of my own creation, which I owe my interest in engineering to. However, I see that many kids are apprehensive about the idea of engineering because of stereotypical views about the field or due to limited exposure.

Through work experience as a math tutor, I was able to see firsthand how hands-on learning and an encouraging environment can inspire children and challenge their thinking in an engaging manner. By organizing Lego workshops alongside Building Block Buddies, I want to show children by example that engineering can be as creative and hands-on as they can imagine."

"Legos were a fundamental part of my childhood. Not only were they incredibly fun for me, but they also were some of my first steps in learning problem-solving, creativity, engineering, and many other fundamental skills. Lego EV3 was also my first real experience with computer science and is part of what led me to where I am today. My goal is to help others find similar experiences through the Lego medium."

"Building with Lego bricks was a staple of my life growing up, and the chance I had to be creative and build what came to my mind was what sparked my interest in engineering. Lego was a great tool that helped me realize my ideas in a physical form, and using trial and error to do so was crucial in developing my creativity. I believe every kid should have this same opportunity to express and develop their creativity."

"As a (future) electrical engineer, I believe that it is important to understand the foundations of how things in our society operate. By using Legos, we are teaching the children how to look at the world through this analytical lens, and we can also teach them how to solve problems as they arise in their projects. Both of these skills are important for all kinds of engineering fields in the real world.

Additionally, we can teach the kids how to work together, which is fundamental not only for academics and employment but can build foundational skills through hands-on activities that typical schooling does not provide. Not only will we be teaching them the skills it takes to become an engineer, but we will also do it in a fun and entertaining way."

"I have a special interest in the cognitive and psychological development of young children. I especially appreciate the organization's mission of enriching school-age children's learning experience while also aiding cognitive development through hands-on experiences.

Throughout my earlier personal life, I've struggled with grasping concepts in the physical dimension. However, as I've matured, I realize the immense value that physical experience gives, especially in the domains of problem-solving and reasoning ability. As a psychology major, I believe that children's early development is crucial to both an early, well-established cognitive basis on which they build but also gives them fundamental skills that they can use well into their adult lives. This organization provides key opportunities for children and strives for the future I believe in."