My LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Kit
Here is my LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Kit that I received for my birthday when I was in 4th grade. This present helped launch my interests in engineering in a great way, which I believe is evidenced by my pursuit of studying mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley and now MIT.
Not many people know, but now I confess to the whole world, that I was very much into Sanrio and in particular Hello Kitty at that age. My parents gave me a choice for my birthday: giant stuff Hello Kitty or LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Kit. I think I chose wisely. ;-)
I remember building everything in the design books and programming my robots to do all kinds of stuff via the graphical programming interface. I even ventured into my own creations and tried to make one avoid obstacles on my kitchen table without also falling off the edge.
It wasn't until later in my life that I would find out that this kit was designed in collaboration with MIT Media Lab and National Instruments LabVIEW.
Parents, I urge you to consider investing in toys and kits like this for your children at a young age. My husband learned to program at age 5 because his grandfather gave him Bill Cosby programming books for kids. These things are highly influential, very positive and reinforcing for a young mind. It allows them to explore their own creativity and learn at their own pace.
I thank my parents for providing me with a gift that developed my brain, creativity, and laid down a foundation for my future.
Happy building,
--Sarah
