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Jessica Hong

Being an OCSA student, it is likely that you have heard about some of the competitive teams here: the Masters of Public Speaking - Mock Trial, savvy Science Olympiad, and the host of exciting school-wide events: Esports. For years, there has been something missing in this group, but it’s here. In fact, this team made its inception at OCSA two years ago, persisting in gathering new team members full of passion for engineering, coding, and robots and steadfastly competing in local competitions. If you guessed it already, it’s OCSA Robotics!

For many students who are interested in pursuing engineering or coding, the team is accepting members. Under the supervision of coordinator Steve Ho, OCSA Robotics is currently composed of two teams: one for high school and for one middle school. As competition season looms over, the students will diligently work in teams and prepare their robots from scratch. They are expected to have a dedicated and collaborative mindset during their regular two to three hour meetings for three times during the week. 

As she was part of Robotics for six years, Shining Chen (CW’ 26) is one of the most experienced team members. She enjoys Robotics for its application of robots and “how everyone has the same interests” as her. Chen describes her experience being in Robotics as a “nice little community” and encourages others to apply if they have a strong interest. 

Sunny Li (IM-W ‘24) finds her passions rooted strongly in Robotics, as her main interests are coding and engineering. As she comes across challenges, she enjoys working through them, such as programming and operating their robot to complete difficult tasks. Once Li went to competitions and met other teams from different schools, she described the feeling as “being together like a family.” Olivia Lee (IM-W ‘24), also joined because of her love with programming. She finds that her role as a driver “enriches” her problem-solving skills and creativity and helps her think outside the box. Currently, Li and Lee has been invited to attend the US Open Championships as OCSA representatives, along with students Vivienne Ho (IA ‘23), Daniel O’Grady (IM-W ‘24), Sammie Park (IA ‘25), and Beatrice Yu (PM ‘28). 

Likewise, Sumin Cho (IM-S ‘25), she thinks it is “really nice when everyone is working together to reach a common goal.” As all the hardworking practices come down to the competition day against school in Orange County, Cho says she is more excited than stressed because “it is also a chance to learn more and see robots from other teams. Plus, it’s exciting seeing how your robot plays against four other teams in a field during a competition.” Cho and her team recently earned an award for design for her robot and will qualify for the state championships. 

As it is centered around teams, OCSA Robotics revolves around a friendly and inclusive, yet competitive environment where students get to explore their passions in the STEM field.