Girls with power tools build their way to focus and calm

By Jessica DuLong, CNN

Updated 6:03 PM ET, Fri October 16, 2020

<strong>Carolyn, 13</strong><strong>,</strong> said building makes her feel focused. "I can't really do two things when I'm building -- I gotta kind of tune into building. I like that."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Carolyn, 13, said building makes her feel focused. "I can't really do two things when I'm building -- I gotta kind of tune into building. I like that."
Hide Caption
1 of 10
<strong>Attalia, 11, </strong>said, "I really like using the chop saw and the drills, along with the other stuff when I get to build."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Attalia, 11, said, "I really like using the chop saw and the drills, along with the other stuff when I get to build."
Hide Caption
2 of 10
<strong>Gabii, 8,</strong> said, "Building makes me feel like I can do whatever I want, because I <em>can</em> do whatever I want. I can be creative in my own way, and I can just do anything."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Gabii, 8, said, "Building makes me feel like I can do whatever I want, because I can do whatever I want. I can be creative in my own way, and I can just do anything."
Hide Caption
3 of 10
<strong>Harley, 13, </strong>likes to build things because it's fun and it makes her feel happy.
Photos: Girls who can build things
Harley, 13, likes to build things because it's fun and it makes her feel happy.
Hide Caption
4 of 10
<strong>Sofia, 9,</strong> shown here making a copper stool, said building makes her feel "proud of myself."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Sofia, 9, shown here making a copper stool, said building makes her feel "proud of myself."
Hide Caption
5 of 10
<strong>Azi, 9, </strong>said, "Building doesn't have to be perfect, but it's always inspiring. You can always do it over or change something as you go."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Azi, 9, said, "Building doesn't have to be perfect, but it's always inspiring. You can always do it over or change something as you go."
Hide Caption
6 of 10
<strong>Kaleah, 11,</strong> said her first project was a mini bookshelf for her aunt and uncle. "Building makes me feel like the person who I was meant to be."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Kaleah, 11, said her first project was a mini bookshelf for her aunt and uncle. "Building makes me feel like the person who I was meant to be."
Hide Caption
7 of 10
<strong>Anfal, 8,</strong> builds things "Because building is fun and I wanted to do it again after I got to do it at school. ... It is fun to use the wrenches. You get to make cool stuff."
Photos: Girls who can build things
Anfal, 8, builds things "Because building is fun and I wanted to do it again after I got to do it at school. ... It is fun to use the wrenches. You get to make cool stuff."
Hide Caption
8 of 10