Posted: It’s the end of week four and Team 930 has moved from concept, to test bot, to design, to the birth of the robot that will traverse the field at the Milwaukee Regional in March. As I write this, the team hovers over the robot at the end of 10 hours of steady work. At this point, after a couple of weeks of designing, the team is anxious to see physical results moving on the floor. Even while still sitting on wooden blocks, itchy fingers wait to be the first to bring it to life.
With 20 members on the team this year, almost half of them rookies, it has been a learning experience in many aspects. The rookies are learning the proper way to use power tools to avoid broken drill bits and taps, not to mention the gigantic need for safety in a setting with sharp blades and power. Rookies have learned from the ground up, about FIRST and about engineering and technology. Each day is a new lesson. Each task a moment of growth.
However, the learning continues, although in a somewhat different mode, for the veteran team members. While they continue to learn the intricacies and difficult concepts of engineering, designing, modeling, and programming, they are also learning the fine art of mentoring and teaching their predecessors who will sustain the team in the future. The veterans are discovering the balance between stepping back and stepping in, the challenge between the desire to dig in and the need to let someone else take over so they too learn from hands-on experience. They are learning the importance of leadership, setting an example, being responsible and reliable and guiding those below them to success, not only for the individual, but for the team as a whole.
This year, Team 930 has enjoyed growth, not only in the number of team members, but also in the number of mentors. We are grateful for Derek who has jumped in to quietly, but effectively, guide the mechanical aspects of the team. For a rookie mentor, he has done an outstanding job of finding the balance needed to be a successful mentor who listens to members, gives them enough rope to search for answers but doesn’t let them dangle frustrated at the end of that rope.
We have a new, much needed, mentor for strategy and scouting. Mukwonago High School teacher Dan Hansen couldn’t have joined the team at a better time with a challenge that will test the strategic skills of the biggest game fans.
Team 930 continues to define team positions through team leads and a project manager. Since last year when we first tested a new team structure and experienced challenges and difficulties, the team has come to a better understanding of the importance of all the roles, from team lead to rookie, in allowing the team to realize success.
As I sit on the edge, watching the team grow in skill, understanding and knowledge, I am reminded of the impact and importance of FIRST on these young minds and lives. From rookies to veterans, this experience is beyond compare. No where else will these young people have the opportunity to boost their careers in the manner that FRC provides.
With two more weeks to go, a lot of hard work remains, but already the excitement is building as they see their efforts come to fruition. What better way to spend six weeks than amidst the energy that comes from robotics!
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