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Comment by skapadia | Hacker News Reader

I missed the part that said his family is wealthy. Can you point me to that?

I wish I could be as innocent as you. Science fairs are for rich kids.

Here is Robert, 17, currently working on his Private Pilot Certificate. His hobby is dicking around with 3D printers and drones.

https://linkedin.com/in/robert-sansone-62116b1b7

I don't even want to link the second winner, but he is very connected in Saudi Arabia. Let's just leave it there.

That’s funny. I won my science fair and we were dirt poor.

I would point out that most kids with Robert’s access to resources would be smoking pot and playing Xbox, just like their poorer brethren. As someone without his resources competing at a science fair like him I feel absolutely no disadvantage and am impressed with his achievements. I ended up borrowing equipment from school rather than owning it but still had it. But I also wasn’t cool enough to find any pot.

Those resources (both equipment and guidance) must come from somewhere, and unfortunately usually they don't come from the school. Schools tend to treat science fairs as an extracurricular afterthought.

In Robert's case there are highly motivated parents and a motivated student, but it's really about the starting point. Motivation is something that can be fostered.

Just look at the photos. Only a fairly wealthy family could afford to buy him those instruments, and of course, the raw materials for the motors. Even his clothing suggests that there is no lack of money.

For what it's worth, that is cheap no-name Chinese test equipment he's using.

Probably a $300-400 setup, which is not nothing, but well within reach of most families.

Or mowing a few lawns. I pay the teen who mows my small front and back yards $40. It's not a big deal. He's done in 30-40 minutes and moves to the neightbors down the street. This is just a couple weekends of side hustle.

Benefit of the doubt: it could be a local makerspace. Although he's working on his pilot license so yes, he's a rich kid.

I missed the part about him working on his pilot's license. Thanks.

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