Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1083315
42 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2019 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE by Barry Matties I-CONNECT007 I-Connect007 was proud to help sponsor IPC's STEM Student Outreach program at this year's APEX EXPO, which brought students from six local high schools to experience first- hand the electronics manufacturing industry. Barry Matties spoke with Marcos McGalliard, a STEM student and robotics team member from San Marcos High School, about his experience at the show and the benefits of participating in STEM-related events. As the room began to fill with high school students at the IPC's STEM Outreach program, one student, in particular, caught my attention. He approached a table of eight or so industry experts and said with confidence and intent, "Good morning, I am Marcos McGalliard from San Marcos High School, and I would like to…" I can't quote his exact words, but he went on to introduce his robotics team and their need for sponsors. He held the attention of all of the adults and concluded with a thank you and how he hoped to hear from them. As he turned to walk back to his classmates, the adults at the table were very impressed; it worked. I heard one later offering support. Well done, Marcos. I had a chance to catch up with Marcos and talk to him later in the afternoon. Below is my interview with this young leader. Barry Matties: First, can you tell us what school you attend? Marcos McGalliard: I'm currently a junior at San Marcos High School in San Marcos, California. Matties: Great, and you are also representing a special group as well. Tell us about that. McGalliard: Yes. I am a member of the Alpha- nites robotics team (#6695), and we compete through FIRST Robotics. What our group does is during the robotics season, which is cur- rently going on, we have a certain task that is given to us via what's called a "kickoff," A STEM Student on FIRST Robotics and Career Opportunities Marcos McGalliard