At the TGR Learning Lab, students have opportunities to discover new interests and build confidence through hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for their future. For Corrine, those experiences shaped her senior year. As she prepares to begin her freshman year of college at Drexel University, Corrine reflects on the opportunities that made the Lab an important part of her journey.
Discovering opportunities at the Lab
As my summer internship comes to an end and I prepare to head to Drexel University for my freshman year of college, I reflect on the experiences that shaped my senior year and helped me prepare for the next chapter. For me, many of those experiences happened at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, mainly as a member of the Tiger Robotics team.
My family’s journey with the Learning Lab began in September 2025, after a tour completely captivated us with the facility’s accessible opportunities and welcoming staff. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of taking courses in architecture with Ms. Stef, College Readiness with Ms. Van, volunteering in Ms. Maria and Ms. Tracy’s elementary courses and joining the Tiger Robotics team as a CAD subgroup member under the leadership of our head coaches, Mr. Mez and Mr. Doyle.
Joining Tiger Robotics
Joining the robotics team was a monumental turning point for me. Initially, I expected a traditional robot-building course, but on the first day, I was surprised and excited to discover that I had joined a competitive team.
My time in the Tiger Robotics team allowed me to channel my passions for creativity, innovation and hands-on design. For years, I had spent countless hours designing and building intricate structures on Bloxburg, a Roblox platform, and this team gave me the opportunity to take that interest further by building both digitally and tangibly.
Thanks to Coach Mez and my CAD teammates, Yoshua and Vincent, I learned how to print and navigate new platforms, such as Onshape. They supported me throughout the learning process, and because of their encouragement, I stuck with it through the early challenges of learning CAD.
Our hard work and success took us on incredible journeys together, from winning multiple Rookie All-Star awards to competing at the FRC World Championship in Houston, Texas, with teams from all over the world.
Looking ahead to what’s next
Being on this team for the past year has had a lasting impact on my life. I have developed invaluable skills, overcome challenges and grown into a more confident and courageous person.
While leaving for college is bittersweet, I am incredibly grateful to TGR Foundation and the friends and family I made at the Learning Lab. I thank God and my family for this opportunity, for getting me to and from the Lab multiple times a week and to this amazing community that has supported me along the way.
My senior year has truly been surreal, and as I head to Drexel University, I plan to stay connected with the TGR Learning Lab.
For more information on programs and opportunities to support students, visit Philadelphia.TGRLearningLab.org.
