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."
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<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."
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<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."
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<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.
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<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."
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<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."
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<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."
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<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."