#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Enmanuel

Inspire the Future: FIRST^® Recognition Program cohort member, FIRST^®  Robotics Competition mentor, and technology teacher Enmanuel has dedicated his life to helping future innovators learn essential STEAM skills. He encourages his students to shine beyond the classroom by taking risks, learning from failure, and embracing new challenges with confidence. Keep reading to learn more about Enmanuel. 

FIRST^® Staff: Can you share some information about your current role at the Carol Morgan School of Santo Domingo?  

Enmanuel: I currently work as a high school teacher at the Carol Morgan School, a private, international, college-preparatory school located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. My courses include AP Computer Science Principles and Programming. I also mentor our FIRST Robotics Competition Team “DRIFT” 4091 and coach students for the Dominican Olympiad in Informatics. 

My job consists of supporting students in building real-world skills through coding, problem-solving, outreach, and innovation. My role blends teaching core academic content with guiding students through competitive STEAM opportunities, helping them grow as confident leaders and critical thinkers. 

FIRST Staff: What is your favorite part of your current role as a teacher and mentor at the Carol Morgan School? 

Enmanuel: I absolutely love seeing my students shine outside the classroom, whether it is pitching to potential team sponsors during the offseason, presenting our team initiatives to the judges at competition, or leading robotics outreach in our community; especially helping schools or supporting FIRST^® LEGO^® League teams with their robots in order to solve the challenges proposed each year.  

Moments when my students take ownership of their learning, support each other, and use STEAM to make a real impact are what keep me energized and inspired every day. 

FIRST Staff: What is the hardest part of your job? 

Enmanuel: One of the hardest parts of my job is balancing teaching, mentoring a FIRST Robotics Competition team, and coaching for high-level competitions. Each role is deeply rewarding, but they all require a lot of time, energy, and emotional investment. I often work late alongside colleagues giving feedback, debugging robot issues, or supporting student outreach.  

It is especially challenging when talented students face confidence issues or feel overwhelmed during building season. I do my best to support and encourage them through it all. The joy of seeing students grow, succeed, and gain confidence makes everything truly worthwhile. 

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

Enmanuel: STEAM is at the heart of everything I do, both in the classroom and beyond. As a computer science teacher, I apply coding and computational thinking to guide students through programming projects, helping them break down complex problems and build efficient solutions.  

As a mentor for FIRST Robotics Competition, I integrate engineering principles, design thinking, and data analysis to support students in their technical and strategic work. I also use communication skills when helping students craft compelling presentations, outreach materials, and branding strategies. For me STEAM is not just a subject, it is how I teach, lead, and solve problems in real life. 

FIRST Staff: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM? 

Enmanuel: The impact of my work in STEAM extends far beyond the classroom. It is about encouraging students to become changemakers. Through Team DRIFT’s initiatives, students gain technical skills while using them to uplift others and drive change in their communities. 

One project close to my heart is our prosthetics initiative, where students use 3D printing and engineering to create low-cost, high-impact prosthetic limbs for children in need. Through this project, we aim to use STEAM as a catalyst for generating meaningful, lasting impact by providing children living with limb differences access to affordable, functional prosthetic solutions along with a life-changing opportunity. 

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

Enmanuel: Someone who inspires me is Angel Duran, lead mentor of Team 4091 and the person that got me involved in FIRST Robotics Competition. His vision goes far beyond the competition field. He has built a team where people see themselves as innovators, leaders, and agents of change. What inspires me most is his belief that with passion and purpose we can compete among the best in the world. 

This belief has led us to compete in the FIRST Championship for three years in a row and even win the Engineering Inspiration Award in 2024. His commitment to STEAM education resonates with my own mission as a teacher and mentor. 

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

Enmanuel: Do not wait until you feel “ready.” You do not need to have everything figured out or be the smartest person in the room to make an impact. Some of the greatest growth happens when you step into opportunities before you feel fully prepared. Trust your gut, ask questions, and be okay with failing forward. Every setback is a lesson, and every challenge is a chance to grow. Confidence comes with experience, and experience comes when you dare to begin. 

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

Enmanuel: Know that you are part of something truly special. This program is so much more than robots and competitions; it is about discovering your potential, building meaningful relationships, and learning how to use your skills to make a difference. 

Every late night, every design failure, every outreach event — it all matters. These moments are shaping you into the kind of leader the world needs. One who is creative, resilient, and committed to impact. 

So, stay curious and remember, whether you win a banner or not, you are already changing the world just by showing up and leading with heart. 

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