Sumedh Garimella


 * "Most likely to hurt himself"

What Got You Involved in the Team?
When I was in elementary school, I would participate in a summer camp called Camp Invention at Mason Elementary. One year, Team 1261 came over and demonstrated their tennis ball robot, which fascinated me greatly. Then, in middle school, I became interested in programming, which led me to join Hull Middle's robotics team for one year, only to be kicked out for not going for any of the competitions and becoming captain of the Academic Team. However, I thought FRC was more interesting than FLL, and I believed that I could develop my programming skills by joining the Peachtree Ridge Robotics Team, so I joined 1261.

Who is Your Role Model?
I have many role models! I would say that some of my role models are my parents (for helping me so much throughout my life), Bill Gates, Steve Jobs (worked hard to form huge tech firms), Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft - his work inspires me to work for Microsoft) Derrick Rose (survived a crime-ridden neighborhood of Chicago to become a great basketball player on my favorite team), Gandhi, MLK Jr. (worked hard and defied the authorities to fight for their rights, Nikola Tesla (tried to selflessly help the people with his hard work and sacrifice), FDR and JFK (saved America) among my many role models.

What are Your Future Career Plans
I hope to double major in Computer Science and some Business major in college, as well as minor in or take classes about alternative energy sources. After college, I hope to either work for Microsoft, Cisco, or some other respectable tech firm, start my own video games/software business, or even create an eco-friendly airline.

Interests or Hobbies
I like playing and creating video games, playing and watching sports like cricket, basketball, and football, skating, quiz bowl, planes and traveling, electronic/hip-hop music, learning about other countries and cultures, competing, spelling bees, reading up on current events, and watching Doctor Who on Netflix, among many other hobbies.

What Other Groups/Clubs Are You Involved In?
Other than robotics, I am part of FBLA, Academic Team, and Math Team. I also used to play bass in orchestra, and I am trying to start a cricket team at Peachtree Ridge. Outside of school, I play piano, and I participate in a Hindu Sunday School program at my temple.

What Are Your Dreams In Life?
I want to do something that helps society and prepares the world for the future. I want to travel the world, and help those who can't help themselves.

Favorite Robotics Quote
"The Bosco (Rishov) subspecies of human" (insert something about code, hiding in a Recycle Rush container, playing an annoying song at practice or in a car ride, competition, etc.)

Favorite Robotics Moments
At the 2015 Peachtree Regional, me and a couple of other 1261ers flashmobbed to 'Mundian To Bach Ke' (basically our de facto team song)!

I enjoyed working with the rookie team 6061 (Albany High Indians) and being their human players, as well as cheering on 1261 to a win at the XBOTS offseason event!