WGHS Club Spotlight: TSA Q&A

TSA students describe what it’s like to be a part of a club that allows them to grow emotionally and academically, while preparing for competitions in design, engineering, and technology.
by Annabelle Adams and Lauren Brandt

TSA students describe what it’s like to be a part of a club that allows them to grow emotionally and academically, while preparing for competitions in design, engineering, and technology.

Technology Student Association is a leadership-focused club here at WGHS that deals with the workings of design, technology, and engineering. This week, members of the club Serenity Bynum, Zachary Schrack, and Sarah Thomas were interviewed about their time in TSA. Dr. Wheeler, Engineering Teacher and TSA sponsor, gave his input on the club as well.

Dr. Wheeler
Q: What is TSA?
A: TSA is a club that focuses on technology and leadership skills. We primarily do lots of competitions and things; that’s kinda what we really focus on. There are two big competitions a year, and we go and do all sorts of events from making motion designs, to making dragsters, to bridges, to CAD formatting, to website design, etc.

Q: Why should students join TSA?
A: People should join TSA because, number one, if they're interested in anything to do with technology or design; there is always something for people to do there. The other thing is that if you’re serious about going to college, and a competitive college, you need something that’ll help you stand out against other [applicants]. Also, people in general just have fun in TSA.

Serenity Bynum
Q: How has TSA impacted you?
A: TSA has allowed me to be more personable. I can approach people, and people are more likely to approach me, more than before I was in it. I can just communicate better and more clearly.

Q: What has been your favorite project?
A: My favorite project was probably Data, Science, and Analytics. It’s a research project… This year the theme was a social issue, and we chose opioid abuse. The project was just overall fun to do; some of the other projects weren’t as hands-on for me.

Sarah Thomas
Q: What is your favorite part of TSA?
A: I really like the competitions because it requires you to use critical thinking and original thought, and I also just really like competing. But I also really like the people in TSA because everyone there has a shared interest. When you’re all in the same place at the same time, it’s cool.

But I also really like the people in TSA because everyone there has a shared interest. When you’re all in the same place at the same time, it’s cool.

Zachary Schrack
Q: What technology do you use?
A: I like working with the computers. I get to control some of the machines, like the 3D printer and the CAD machine. I just tell them what to do, and they do things or print things for me; that’s fun. 

Q: What are some upcoming events?
A: We have a state conference coming up. It includes a lot of events. Some of the ones I’m in are Manufacturing Prototype; Data, Science, and Analytic; Chapter Team; and Tech Bowl.

In the near future, all members of Walnut Grove's TSA chapter will be heading to the State Conference on March 15 in Athens according to the GATSA website.