Emma Mike: From Robotics & Softball to a Future in Aerospace Engineering

Emma Mike - Minnesota

Nomination & Photography by Erinn Letts Photos

Issue 105 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Emma doesn’t simply step up to a challenge, she brings others along. Whether she’s teaching water safety, serving her community, cheering on her swim team, or fulfilling her role as captain of her robotics team, Emma shows up with kind and cheerful leadership that draws others in. Her commitment to helping others started early, earning the Jean Schreier Memorial Volunteer Award in 8th grade. She later became a two-time Team Spirit Award winner for her vibrant encouragement. On the robotics team, Emma blends STEM skills, strategy, mentorship, and creativity at every phase of competition. Emma always goes the extra mile!

What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?

I started coaching girls softball this past summer, and I plan to continue because the sport has always been a passion of mine. Coaching has been incredibly rewarding — not just because it keeps me connected to the game I love, but because I get to help players grow and discover their confidence. Watching these girls develop, both on and off the field, is what I enjoy most. Seeing them push through challenges and master new skills is unforgettable. I hope they learn resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Softball is the tool; the life lessons are what truly last.

What do you enjoy most about coaching younger softball players, and what do you hope they learn from you beyond the game?

For me, the best part of working with younger softball players is seeing their confidence grow. There’s something special about watching a girl who was unsure of herself learn a skill, try it again, and eventually nail it. That spark of “I can do this” is incredibly rewarding. I also often enjoy the energy younger players bring — the excitement, the goofiness, the willingness to try things — it keeps the game fun.

How has being both an athlete and a coach changed the way you think about leadership and teamwork?

Being both an athlete and a coach has a way of reshaping how you see leadership and teamwork from the inside out. When you’re a player, you experience leadership — you feel the impact of a coach’s decisions, energy, and communication. But when you step into coaching, you suddenly create that environment. Seeing both sides gives you a much deeper appreciation of what truly makes a team work.

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?

As a high school senior, I’m excited to reach the next milestone in my journey: receiving my college acceptance letters. I plan to major in electrical engineering and pursue a minor in aerospace engineering. My dream is to build airplanes someday — to play a part in designing and creating the machines that push the limits of what’s possible. Engineering has always fascinated me, and I’m eager to take the next steps toward turning that passion into a future career.

What first sparked your interest in electrical and aerospace engineering?

I built my first robot at eight and spent countless hours experimenting with Snap Jr. circuits and creating LEGO inventions. I’ve always loved the challenge of building something from nothing. Joining my high school robotics team strengthened that curiosity, giving me my first experience working with complex electronics and showing me that engineering was more than a hobby — it was my future. I’ve also been drawn to aerospace, fascinated by machines that fly and push boundaries. Combining electrical and aerospace engineering feels like the perfect path to turn that excitement into a career focused on designing innovative, inspiring technology.

Where is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?

My ideal job is working for a major organization like Boeing or even NASA someday. Both represent innovation, precision, and teamwork at the highest level. Boeing inspires me with its focus on safety, engineering, and the customer experience, while NASA pushes the boundaries of science and technology. Either path would let me apply my STEM skills, solve complex problems, and contribute to something bigger than myself. Whether improving how people travel or supporting advances in space exploration, I want to be part of a team that changes the way we move, discover, and connect.

What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?

I could talk about Marvel movies for hours! I’ve watched every single one — and in order. It’s something my dad and I have always bonded over, and our Marvel movie marathons have become one of my favorite traditions. Whether we’re debating which movie has the best storyline or quoting our favorite scenes, it’s something that always brings us together and gives us time to relax, laugh, and just enjoy the moment. And some of the movies have the best soundtracks!

Which Marvel character do you relate to the most, and why?

Tony Stark, because I’m constantly wanting to build things and make them work. I love the challenge of taking an idea, figuring out how it functions, and then improving it. His creativity, problem-solving, and drive to innovate inspire me to keep pushing myself in STEM and never stop building.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?

I’ve learned that there’s almost always more than one way to accomplish a task, and thinking creatively often leads to better, more efficient solutions. Looking beyond conventional approaches has taught me to be flexible, curious, and open to new ideas — skills that are valuable both in engineering and in everyday problem-solving.

How has being captain of your robotics team challenged you to become a stronger leader and problem solver?

Being captain of my robotics team pushed me to become a stronger leader and problem solver. The role meant supporting teammates, communicating clearly, and making decisions under pressure, even when I didn’t have all the answers. I had to stay calm during setbacks, think creatively, and help break down complex problems piece by piece. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I learned to see challenges as chances to improve our strategy and teamwork. Overall, leading the team taught me to trust my abilities, stay adaptable, and empower others. I learned that real leadership is collaboration, curiosity, and resilience.

What advice would you give to another girl who is interested in STEM but may be hesitant to put herself out there?

If you’re interested in STEM but feeling hesitant, start small—but start. You don’t need to be fearless; you just need to take the first step. Curiosity is already a strength, and it absolutely belongs in STEM. Feeling nervous or unsure is normal — everyone begins without knowing everything. What matters is choosing to show up anyway. You’ll be amazed by what you discover about yourself. Find a supportive community—clubs, mentors, teachers, or friends—who encourage you. STEM is for everyone, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you makes it easier to believe in your own potential.

Why was incorporating your robotics flag into your senior photos so meaningful to you?

Robotics has been a big part of my high school experience and during our competitions we have a flag that we bring with us and it was important to me to capture that during one of my photos and Erin got creative to make that work for me!

Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?

Erinn immediately made me feel at ease and took the time to explain what contributes to a great senior photo session. We discussed colors, styles, and what tends to work well in photos. She also spent time getting to know me and my personality, which made the experience even better.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?

My photographer, Erinn, introduced me to the opportunity. As a natural introvert, getting involved with Inspiring Teens Magazine excites me because it encourages me to step out from behind the scenes and try something new. It’s a chance for me to grow, challenge myself, and share parts of my story that I don’t always put out into the world.

What have you discovered about yourself when you've pushed beyond your comfort zone and allowed yourself to be seen?

When I’ve pushed beyond my comfort zone and allowed myself to be seen, I’ve realized I’m stronger and more capable than I once believed. It’s nerve-wracking at first to step into uncertain spaces, but every time I’ve done it, the hesitation fades and the growth is real. I’ve learned that being visible doesn’t mean being perfect — it means being present and willing to try. By sharing the vulnerable parts of myself, I’ve adapted, connected more deeply, and proven that I can handle challenges. Each experience has strengthened my confidence and shown me that showing up fully leads to real progress.

How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?

Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would support me as I continue my education and pursue new opportunities with confidence. It would also motivate me to keep pushing myself outside my comfort zone and stay involved in activities that help me grow. Knowing that others believe in my potential would be a powerful reminder to keep challenging myself, stay curious, and step forward even when something feels new or intimidating.

What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?

I said “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge because I saw a real opportunity to make an impact and be part of something that would help me grow. I felt nervous and a bit hesitant at first, I knew those feelings were just part of stepping into something worthwhile. Starting out, I was a little overwhelmed by everything that came with the role, but I didn’t let that stop me. Instead, I focused on showing up, learning quickly, and trusting that I could rise to the challenge. And once I got going, that initial uncertainty shifted into a clearer path.

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?

If another teen were thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but felt unsure, I’d tell them to go for it. I understand the hesitation — I’m an introvert, and stepping into something new can feel intimidating. But this program gives you a safe space to grow, try new things, and learn more about yourself. You don’t need to be loud or outgoing; you just need to show up as you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out, either. Taking that first step is enough, and the things that feel scary often become the experiences that shape you most.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?

Thank you to everyone that voted for me!

Look for Emma in issue 105 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

* Interviews are shared in the teen’s own words so their authentic voice shines through.