[Editor's Note: Anda-Lucia attended the Robogals Bootcamp UK from 24-25 April 2010, where teams from four UK universities and one Irish university (pictured right) came to Imperial College London for an intensive two-day training course on how to set up a new Robogals chapter. In the article below, she shares her experiences of both the Bootcamp and subsequent events]

The moment I decided to apply for a position in the new Robogals chapter in Edinburgh was probably one of the best choices I've ever made in my life. The Bootcamp weekend in London and the setting up of Robogals in Edinburgh have been unbelievable and worthwhile.

The two days spent in London were full of activity. I arrived, put on the Robogals t-shirt I was given, the the show started. I met lots of passionate girls from other universities and we worked together in groups, trying to find the best ideas for making Robogals a successful and famous organisation. We also had loads of fun with the LEGO robot building and the robot dance competition where each team had their robot performing an incredible dance that caught everyone's attention. The next day, we learned more about the steps that need to be taken to set up the Robogals chapter and also had another robotics challenge: trying to make the robot follow a specific path. At the end of the weekend, even though I was exhausted, I was filled with excitement and eagerness about my new responsibilities.

Back in Edinburgh, we started, slowly but surely, putting together the first pieces of the puzzle. It wasn't an easy process, but with the invaluable help we had from the School of Informatics, we managed to decide on some important aspects. The girls in the team are fantastic and looking forward to undertaking their new roles. We have acquired the robots needed for the workshops, and most importantly, we have the enthusiasm and energy to get started. Not to mention, we already have our first school lined up in autumn and lots of events in our minds. And so, Robogals Edinburgh began writing its chapter, "Behind every successful robot, there is also a successful woman". Needless to say, I've discovered that nothing compares to the rush and thrill you get from planning and organising what you like and believe in.

I am more than sure that Robogals is going to be an extraordinary and rewarding experience and I am really excited to be here from the beginning and contribute as much as I can to its development. The two-day training in London strenghtened my belief that this project bears a great chance to build up more confidence and new perspectives for women. In addition, the setting up of Robogals in Edinburgh drives me to fulfill the goals of this project by inspiring interest in girls in technology areas. And this is just the beginning...