#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Aniket

Aniket is a high school student and member of FIRST^® Tech Challenge team “LegoGoa Axi0m.” Through his FIRST^® experience, Aniket has learned the importance of solving challenging problems and thinking like an engineer every day. 

In 2023 Aniket competed at the India FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Championship, and is now focused on India’s most competitive engineering entrance exam for IIT-JEE. Aniket has seen in real time what a difference FIRST learned skills can make on your future and career. Dedicated to sharing his journey with everyone, Aniket works hard to balance his high school and extracurricular workload with doing things he enjoys. 

Keep reading to learn more about Aniket in this week’s #PeopleofSTEAM. 

FIRST Staff: Can you share some information about your current focus? 

Aniket: I am currently a high school student in Goa, preparing for the IIT-JEE — India’s most competitive engineering entrance examination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students compete for a few thousand seats in prestigious institutes like the IIT’s. I have committed myself fully to this challenge, treating it as both a pathway to college and a personal mission to grow as a thinker, problem solver, and future innovator in technology. 

FIRST Staff: What is your favorite part of your day-to-day life in STEAM? 

Aniket: What excites me most is solving challenging problems... not merely finding the right answer but understanding the underlying principles. Whether it is a complex physics derivation or a difficult math puzzle, diving deep into the “why” behind it gives me a real sense of achievement. I also enjoy working on personal projects where I can blend logical analysis with creative design, much like the robots we develop in FIRST Tech Challenge. 

FIRST Staff: What is the hardest part of your day-to-day life? 

Aniket: The greatest challenge is managing the mental load. Balancing school, coaching sessions, and personal ambitions  demands strict time management and resilience. During mock exams, the pressure intensifies, and it can feel overwhelming. On difficult days, I remind myself of my long-term goals, take short breaks to recharge, and then return to my studies with renewed focus. 

FIRST Staff: How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday life? 

Aniket: I do not just study science; I apply it every day. From visualizing forces in a physics problem to optimizing algorithms in a coding challenge, STEAM shapes my approach to everything. I experiment with simple electronics projects at home, automate routine tasks, and sketch ideas for future inventions. This mindset turns ordinary tasks into opportunities for innovation and learning. 

FIRST Staff: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM? Are you creating change/making a difference – how so? 

Aniket: STEAM has profoundly influenced my growth. Through robotics competitions and self-driven projects, I have developed creative problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. I regularly mentor younger students, helping them grasp difficult concepts and encouraging their own explorations. These efforts may be small, but they spark curiosity and confidence in others, creating a ripple effect of innovation in my community. 

FIRST Staff: Who is a “Person of STEAM” who inspires you? 

Aniket: My interest in robotics began from personal curiosity rather than a single mentor. In science and mathematics, however, I draw inspiration from legends like Smt. Shakuntala Devi. Her visionary thinking and dedication to pushing boundaries remind me to stay curious and think beyond textbooks. I also admire Cristiano Ronaldo. Not for STEAM, but for his discipline and work ethic, which I try to apply to my academic and personal goals.

FIRST Staff: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? 

Aniket: Do not judge yourself too early. Always commit fully to whatever you start, even if others do not immediately notice or support you. Learn to value progress over perfection and treat failures as lessons, not endpoints. Above all, stay humble, respect your journey, and believe in your potential — the effort you put in today will build the foundation for tomorrow. 

FIRST Staff: Do you have a message you want to share with students who are participating in FIRST today? 

Aniket: Embrace every moment of this journey. FIRST offers more than technical skills. It cultivates teamwork, creative thinking, and resilience. Learn actively from your mentors, collaborate openly with teammates, and focus on understanding the principles behind your designs. Be resourceful with what you have, share your discoveries, and enjoy the process. These experiences will shape your future in ways you cannot imagine. 

Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.