In 2004, four undocumented teenagers from Carl Hayden Community High School in Phoenix, Arizona, did the unthinkable: they entered a national underwater robotics competition and beat MIT.
Armed with determination and a robot named “Stinky”, Oscar Vazquez, Lorenzo Santillan, Cristian Arcega, and Luis Aranda, along with mentors Fredi Lajvardi and Allan Cameron, proved that genius knows no ZIP code or immigration status.
A Robotics Underdog Story
Competing with PVC pipe, duct tape, and salvaged parts, the Carl Hayden team overcame every obstacle in their way. With a budget of less than $800, they had to build their ROV (remotely operated vehicle) from scratch — while college teams often spent $10,000 or more.
Their underwater robot, affectionately named “Stinky,” was tested and retested in a local pool. The team had never seen the ocean before, let alone competed at the national level. Despite technical setbacks, they adapted quickly during the competition and earned top marks not just in performance but in engineering design and team collaboration.
The Fight Beyond the Robot
Their victory was more than a competition win — it was a stand against stereotypes and systemic barriers. All four team members were undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. This status barred them from applying for federal student aid or many scholarships.
Oscar Vazquez, for example, graduated with honors in mechanical engineering but could not legally work in the U.S. He eventually returned to Mexico voluntarily to legalize his status — a painful journey that separated him from his family.
The story also shed light on the importance of mentorship. Teachers Fredi Lajvardi and Allan Cameron were crucial in helping the students believe in themselves and navigate the world of STEM. Their involvement turned what could’ve been an extracurricular project into a life-changing opportunity.
La Vida Robot → Spare Parts
The world first learned about their story in a 2005 WIRED article by Joshua Davis titled “La Vida Robot.” The article received widespread attention and was adapted into a book, Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream by Joshua Davis in 2014.
In 2015, Lionsgate released the movie Spare Parts, starring George Lopez as the team’s teacher. Jamie Lee Curtis and Marisa Tomei also appear in supporting roles. The film emphasized the emotional toll and triumph of their journey, although some parts were fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Today, their legacy continues to inspire students across the country, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds and under-resourced schools. Their story is often used in classrooms, leadership training, and STEM equity programs.
“They showed the world what happens when you believe in yourself — even when no one else does.”