Two Royal girls enjoy UW educational camp

ROYAL CITY - Two Royal Middle School students had the time of their young lives this summer when they attended a University of Washington educational camp.

Guadalupe Guadarrama and Cristina Carrasco participated in the UW Early Engineering Institute from July 31-Aug. 1. It was held at the UW and the Boeing Museum of Flight.

"I just wish it had lasted longer," Carrasco said later. "It made me feel ready for my next math and science classes."

Guadarrama called the camp a life-changing experience. She noted there were several "extraordinary" projects, including the EMG remote-controlled car and fish robots.

"It was not only intriguing and exciting to experience but also inspiring," she said.

Qualification for the camp was competitive. Guadarrama and Carrasco were selected from among 10 students who wrote competing essays.

"This trip will influence my college and career goals by preparing me to see and understand what college would look like," Carrasco wrote. "It will motivate me to get better grades in school. Also, this trip will help me understand better why math, science, language and social studies are important."

Guadarrama wrote that she was encouraged by an older brother who attends the UW. He told her not to let opportunities slip through her fingers.

"Who knows?" her brother said. "What you learn might actually be what your future has in store for you."

Guadarrama and Carrasco had three relatively long days at the camp. After the drive from Royal, they had an 11 a.m. Welcome lunch and orientation.

After an afternoon of workshops, they had dinner at a residential dining hall. There were engineering and math games at 7 p.m. and a movie at 8:30 p.m.

The next day was similar, starting with breakfast at 7 a.m. and ending with a movie at 8:30 p.m. The third day included a visit to the Museum of Flight. It ended at 3:30 p.m., leaving travel time back to Royal.

"There is nothing I would take back," Guadarrama said. "I just wish it was less rushed."

"This experience was amazing," she added. "This trip has made me realize how important and exciting technology is to me."

Carrasco appreciated a better understanding of algebra and scientific methods. She also appreciated hearing she could be an over-achiever.

"I could probably be the first female president," she said. "I can also achieve my own business in the future."

Participation, including travel, was paid by the UW.