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The Toronto Blue Jays lost in Game 7 of the World Series of Major League Baseball. Like in many other types of competitions, baseball competitors cannot control chance events like a ball hit hard between two defending players or a ball landing barely in fair territory. However, competitors can control what they can to put themselves in the best possible position to increase their likelihood for success.
In the first inning, Blue Jays slugger George Springer reached first base. With only out, George Springer starting running to second base on a "hit-and-run" play. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struck out for the second out. However, Springer stopped sprinting mid-way to second base based on the assumption that Guerrero Jr. received a Ball 4 call. Immediately after the strikeout, the Dodgers' catcher threw the ball to the second baseman, who very easily tagged Springer out for the double play, ending the inning. Had Springer continued to sprint hard into second base despite the outcome of the at-bat by Guerrero, perhaps Springer would be safe at second base. Although we wouldn't know the batting outcome for Bo Bichette, the next batter, Springer could at least control what he can to increase the likelihood for success. Instead, Springer made himself get called out to end the offensive threat, which was completely avoidable and leaving more of the outcome to chance. In the ninth inning, the Blue Jays' pinch runner Isiah Kiner-Falefa was called out at home plate by a split second on a bases-loaded force play. The other base runners had a secondary lead, anticipating to run on contact by the hitter. Unlike the other baserunners, Kiner-Falefa stayed on third base during the pitch to home plate. Had Kiner-Falefa left third base with a secondary lead, he possibly could have reached home plate just in time with the winning run of the game and the World Series: https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/1984827583092179216 The baseball season is long like the season of many other competitions like the FIRST Robotics Competition. During the season, competitors repeatedly practice the finely-detailed fundamentals to execute the action when the momentous opportunity comes about. Many people define luck as "preparation meets opportunity". If the fundamentals are executed timely, the competitors control what they can for a favourable outcome. When fundamentals aren't executed, more of the outcome - favourable or not, is left to chance.
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The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These disciplines require the application of precise knowledge and accurate skills. However, Albert Einstein famously said that "imagination is important than knowledge. Imagine is everything; it's the preview of life's coming attractions". In the thought process for applying STEM in solving challenges and adding to the world's collective knowledge, Einstein implied that hypothesizing for the next experiment involves creativity and critical thinking outside the box from connections to other disciplines. Through creativity and making connections, we can come up with a new discovery and invention that benefits our lives.    The application of the arts in STEAM was practiced by Leonardo Da Vinci from his character traits: He was always curious and explored many topics outside his primary interest. He also always recorded information to check later and make connections with. Furthermore, he visualized his information with diagrams and drawings. Da Vinci is known today for his many works in art and engineering based on measurements and precise details. Two of his most celebrated works include the Vitruvian Man, based on Marcus Vitruvius' statements on the mathematical ratios in the human body. Da Vinci's La Gioconda painting of "The Last Supper" was constructed with the individuals depicted with precision geometry and spacing.
Through the arts, STEM is applied to benefit us in our world. Sources:
In Beijing, China, the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games just completed. The three-day event provided platforms for 280 teams from academia and private industries in 16 countries. The teams designed, built, and coded robots to efficiently complete tasks related to sports, like running, kicking, and striking; and non related to sports, like sorting and delivering items. The Humanoid Robot Games and FIRST Robotics are similar in that teams were challenged to construct products to perform their best with and against peers; all within the context of a competition. Because of the competitive context, teams were challenged to apply STEM-focused skills of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking within a timeframe. Thus, the context of a competitive challenge helps individuals to stay motivated to learn new skills and apply them for improvement and progression. When youth participate in competitive activities like sports and FIRST Robotics, the STEM-based skills stay with the students after the competitive experience; the students can apply the skills throughout life in both competitive and non-competitive situations. Karthik Kanagasabapathy, the Director of Programs and Strategy for FIRST Robotics Canada, famously preaches the following benefits of participating in competitions for youth:
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Pink Titans competed at inaugural Ontario District Niagara College Event in Welland, Ontario3/9/2025  From March 7 to 9, 2025, the Pink Titans competed at the inaugural Ontario District Niagara College Event, hosted at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at Niagara College in Welland, Ontario. The team finished the event ranked 16th out of 27 teams. The Pink Titans were noticed for their fierce defensive play, slowing down robots at the coral station. The team was the second pick by the sixth alliance captain, FRC 8089 - Rockway Robots. Playing alongside the first pick, FRC 6978 - QuickStrike Niagara, the sixth alliance advanced to match six of the second round. Many of the Pink Titans were attending their first FRC event and very inspired by the high level of competition. Thanks very much, FIRST Robotics Canada and Niagara College, for the opportunity!
 On February 14, 2025, the Pink Titans presented at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB)'s annual Eureka! conference for STEM educators of the TDSB. Ruqayya, Serazam, and Mr. Kim showcased the team's latest FRC robot with FIRST Robotics Canada's vendor exhibit. The Pink Titans discussed the benefits of participating for students and supporting adults a workshop titled "Benefits of Participating in FIRST Robotics for All Students". As a mentor, Mr. Kim shared his experiences of seeing students grow and develop their skills for global competencies - communication, critical thinking & problem solving, global citizenship & character, collaboration & leadership, and creativity. Speaking to many high school teachers, Ruqayya and Serazam conveyed their enthusiasm for learning and applying so many valuable, transferrable skills outside the classroom, based on the experience in the 2024 build season. Thanks very much Mr. Gilbert, Ms. Ireland, and the other Eureka! conference organizers for the opportunity!
 On January 19, 2025, the Pink Titans showcased the program of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Provincial Championship East, held at Durham College's Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. Young attendees examined the shooting mechanisms of the 2024 FRC robot, and caught the scoring pieces (notes) from the air. The Pink Titans also answered many questions from the young attendees and their coaches about the FRC, one of the next programs in the pipeline of FIRST Robotics. Thanks very much Program Manager Pint and FIRST Robotics Canada for the opportunity!
 On December 17, 2024, the Pink Titans mentored 45 girls in grade 5 on coding, building the LEGO SPIKE Prime robots, and gender equity in STEM at Grenoble Public School. Each of the Pink Titans coached pairs of girls. The girls built LEGO SPIKE Prime robots, then coded them to navigate through obstacle courses. Also, the pairs of the students programmed the robot to push as many cups out of the square arena as possible in the shortest amount of time. The day ended with the girls of the Pink Titans facilitating a reflection on how scientists are portrayed in society, and how we can change this to reflect more gender equity in science. Thanks so much Ms. Lin and Vice-Principal Haywood, and Principal Pouliot for the opportunity!
 On November 26, 2024, the Pink Titans showcased the team and the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) as part of Grade 8 Information Night at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario. The Pink Titans spoke about their successes in promoting interest in STEM within and outside the community of DMTCI. The Pink Titans also answered questions about the benefits of participating in the FRC for success in high school and beyond. Prospective students enjoyed test-driving the FRC robots! Thanks very much Principal Choudhry, Vice-Principal Lee, and Ms. Takas for the opportunity!
 On Nov. 13, 2024, the Pink Titans showcased the 2024 FRC robot at the annual conference of the Science Teachers' Association of Ontario (STAO), located at the Brock University Burlington Campus in Burlington, Ontario. The students discussed their team's experience during the build season and competitions, as well as the students' continued participation on the team in the off-season. Four teachers, including those who want to start their own teams, listened the students and asked them questions about the benefits and challenges in participation in the FRC. Thanks very much William Neal, the program manager for FRC in Ontario, for the opportunity!
 On November 12, 2024, the Pink Titans hosted and helped teach 30 middle school teachers of the Toronto District School Board on coding with the LEGO SPIKE Prime robotic platform. The Pink Titans assisted the Central Science, Technology, STEM & Robotics Department of Toronto District School Board. The Pink Titans assisted the teachers in building the LEGO SPIKE Prime and coding it to move in various directions. The Pink Titans then offered a short lesson on coding the robot to detect colours and following a line. The teachers learned how to implement the LEGO SPIKE Prime robot as part of delivering the coding expectation of the science curriculum. After the workshop, the teachers were eager to bring the experience back to their classrooms to engage the students. Thanks very much Mr. Gilbert and Ms. Ireland for the opportunity!
Pink Titans present with FIRST Robotics Canada at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.11/10/2024  On November 5, 6, 9 and 10, 2024, the Pink Titans showcased the 2024 FRC robot as part of FIRST Robotics Canada's presentation with Anu Badhu about the robotics in agriculture at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. On the Growth Hub Stage, the Pink Titans discussed the benefits of participating in FIRST Robotics on the development of personal and professional skills for success in the workplace. The Pink Titans also met R. C. Tennyson, an emeritus professor at the University of Toronto whose calculations helped the astronauts of Apollo 13 return to Earth. Thanks very much President Ellis and Vice-President Javeri for the opportunity!
 On Oct. 31, 2024, the Pink Titans exhibited FIRST Robotics as part of the site tour of David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute at the 15th Canadian EdTech Leadership Conference on AI in Scarborough, Ontario. Five international teachers, including those from Sweden, visited the school to see the implementation of technology in education. Opportunities provided by the Pink Titans throughout the year helped to get more students introduced to applied technology and excited about STEM. The Pink Titans discussed the benefits of participating in FIRST Robotics on their personal growth and development of skills essential for success after high school. Thanks Principal Choudhry for the opportunity!
 On October 5, 2024, the Pink Titans ran a workshop titled "Strategies for Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion In a FIRST Team" as part of SWATposium Conference, hosted by FRC team 771 - SWAT at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School in Oakville, Ontario. Edmund Kim presented about the importance of diversity on FIRST teams for fostering practices in creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking on teams. Edmund also presented strategies for members of FIRST teams to engage as allies, sponsors, and champions to underserved and underrepresented team members. Thanks very much to team SWAT for the opportunity!
 On September 29, 2024, the Pink Titans ran a workshop titled "Strategies for Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion In a FIRST Team" as part of FIRST Robotics Canada's FIRST LEGO League Kickoff Celebration and Conference, hosted by Bayview Glen Independent School in North York, Ontario. Edmund Kim presented about the importance of diversity on FIRST teams for fostering practices in creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking on teams. Edmund Kim also presented strategies for members of FIRST teams to engage as allies, sponsors, and champions to underserved and underrepresented team members. Thanks very much to Annika Pint, FIRST Robotics Canada, and Mr. Borromeo for the opportunity!
 On September 28, 2024, the Pink Titans ran a workshop titled "Strategies for Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion In a FIRST Team" as part of the 2056 Ways To Inspire Conference, hosted by FRC 2056 at Orchard Park Secondary School in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Edmund Kim presented about the importance of diversity on FIRST teams for fostering practices in creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking on teams. Edmund Kim also presented strategies for members of FIRST teams to engage as allies, sponsors, and champions to underserved and underrepresented team members. Thanks very much to FRC team 2056 for the opportunity!
Pink Titans ran robotics workshops for Youth 4 Youth Innovation Program at Ontario Science Centre8/14/2024  On July 29 & 31, then on Aug. 12 & 14, 2024, the Pink Titans ran workshops as part of the Ontario Science Centre's summer Youth 4 Youth Innovation Program. The program ran at Don Mills Middle School because the building of the Ontario Science Centre was closed in June. Two cohorts of attendees learned to code the LEGO SPIKE Prime robot to move in directions at different speeds, then navigate through a maze. The attendees also designed and coded the robot to push as many cups out of the perimeter in the least amount of time. Thanks very much Sean, Amal, and Manager Hotz for the opportunity! Thanks very much FIRST Robotics Canada for training the Pink Titans. Thanks very much McCall MacBain for donating the LEGO SPIKE Prime kits!
 On August 6 and 7, 2024, the Pink Titans ran robotics workshops in the summer camp for the Urban Squash Toronto. It's an organization that provides athletic and educational supports to underserved, underrepresented youth in the Jane-Finch area of Toronto. A dozen campers used the LEGO SPIKE Prime platform to code the robot to move with changing directions and navigate through a maze. The children also coded the robot to push as many cups out of the perimeter in the least amount time. The Pink Titans collaborated with members of FLL 5831 - Ctrl-Z from North York, who also ran a coding workshop about the line-following sensor. Thanks very much Coach Borromeo of FLL-C 5831 - Ctrl-Z, Exec. Dir. Adamson, and Prog. Dir. Browne for the opportunity! (Prog. Dir. Browne also graduated from David & Mary Thomson C. I., the host school of the Pink Titans!) Thanks very much FIRST Robotics Canada for providing the summer camp training to the Pink Titans. Thanks very much McCall MacBain Foundation for the donation of the LEGO SPIKE Prime kits.
 On June 26, 2024, the Pink Titans engaged most of the students in grades one to six students by having them test-drive the FRC robot. Each child controlled the robot to pick up the kickball, then score it into the scoring area. Most of the students were introduced to the high school program of FIRST Robotics and expressed the interest to participate in the FRC in the future. Thanks very much Ms. Myong and Principal Martil for the opportunity!
 On July 24, 2024, the Pink Titans showcased the FRC robot to children as part of play day at Bendale Junior Public School. Children test-drove the robot, controlling it to pick up the kickball and score it in the scoring area. This visit is the third collaborative opportunity between the Pink Titans and the school. Thanks Principal Awara and Mr. Moore for the opportunity!
 On June 19, 2024, the Pink Titans engaged children with the FRC robot as part of play day at St. Andrews Public School in Scarborough, Ontario. Classes of children test-drove the robot, controlling it to pick up the orange kickball, then driving it to the scoring area. Thanks very much Mr. Truong and Principal Sahib for the opportunity!
 On June 15, 2024, the Pink Titans engaged young attendees with the FRC robot as part of the fun fair at Chester Elementary School in Toronto, Ontario. Children controlled the robot to pick up the orange kickball and score it in the scoring area. Thanks very much Principal Taylor for the opportunity!
 On June 6, 2024, the Pink Titans engaged children with the FRC robot as part of the fun fair at Fleming Public School in Scarborough, Ontario. Young attendees drove the robot, controlling it to pick up the orange kickball and score it in the scoring area. Thanks very much Principal Johnston and Co-Chairs Nadia and Lisa of the fun fair for the opportunity!
 On June 1, 2024, the Pink Titans exhibited at the Birch Cliff Fun Fair at Birch Cliff Public School in Scarborough. Attendees, mostly young children, test-drove the team's FRC robot to pick up kickballs, then score them into scoring areas. The team thanks the many parents who inquired about robotics programs for children after elementary school. Thanks very much Principal Faraone, Vice-Principal Lipp, and the Birch Cliff Parents' Council for the opportunity!
 On May 30, 2024, the Pink Titans attended a presentation from Kaustabh Shekhar, the founder and president of a geo-infrastructure the company called Groundbreaking Foundations. President Shekhar was also an alumnus of David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute (DMTCI), the home base of the Pink Titans. President Shekhar shared with the students his post-secondary journey as an engineering student. He also shared his experiences participating in extra-curriculars at DMTCI. The experiences helped him build his character and develop transferrable skills into the workplace. Groundbreaking Foundations also presented a scholarship to one of the Pink Titans to assist her post-secondary career pathway in engineering. Thanks very much, President Shekhar for your support and time to speak to the students at DMTCI! Thanks Ms. Takas and Mr. Misumi for organizing the talk!
Pink Titans host and ran second Scarborough FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival in 2024-25 season5/25/2024  On May 25, the Pink Titans hosted and ran the second Scarborough FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore Festival in the 2024-25 season at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario. Seven teams, including six rookies, participated. Congratulations to the teams who received the following awards: FLL-E team 19665 - Unstoppable Builders from Stouffville (Amazing Movement Award), team 28894 - CHAPPiE-GO from Richmond Hill (Coding Award), FLL-E team 29004 - Shining Nova from North York (Construction Award), 29635 - Gems Jr. Explorer from Oakville (Core Values Award), 29811 - Pokemon Rangers from Oakville (Team Spirit Award), 105559A - Hollywood Blue Stars from North York (Team Model Award), and 105559B - Hollywood Red Stars from North York (Challenge Solution Award). Thanks very much volunteers and FIRST Robotics Canada for the opportunity!
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