If I were to pick one event that changed my life, I would pick FIRST robotics. FIRST has changed my perspective on this world. Before joining FIRST, I always wanted to be an astronomer or a physicist, without even knowing there were so many other occupations. I never knew about the awesomeness of engineering beforehand. When I first joined robotics, I knew nothing about electronics or programming. I was just like any other ordinary kid out there playing games on a computer. Since the summer of 2007, I couldn’t quit the team. Everything I learned so far has been beneficial to me. I made spectacular friends over the years from various places. I love what I do on our FIRST robotics team and I am grateful for such an opportunity.

This is my last year as a student on Team Kika Mana. When I reflect, I remember the hesitation I had when considering whether to join robotics or not. I first joined Team Kika Mana in my sophomore year knowing nothing about robotics. Everything was overwhelming because I was in awe at what high school students like me were actually capable of. Everyday, I would learn and try something new. One day we would be using the lathe or mill and the next we would be making thank you cards for our supporters. Participating in FIRST really covers a wide range of skills - life skills that you cannot get anywhere else.

Currently, I feel that I have matured because of the various events I experience in robotics. I have also gained more confidence in myself and of those around me. Working with my teammates everyday has also brought me closer to everyone to the point where I feel comfortable sharing anything. We are family now and I hope that our relations will last a lifetime. Through FIRST, I have also gained a new perspective in science and engineering. Now, I always think about the process of how things are made! (Or how I THINK it’s made.) I really do have a newfound respect for science and technology. I hope that all the future members of Team Kika Mana or FIRST in general are able to experience and gain as much as I have.

I joined robotics primarily for one reason - to build and play with robots, of course. Now that I am a member, I don't see one reason why someone would not join our robotics team. During my time here at McKinley High Robotics I did things that I never thought I would have during my time in high school. During my freshman year, I contemplated joining robotics. I decided not to not just because I missed the first robotics informational meeting, but I heard that high school was challenging and homework would take up most of my time so that I wouldn't have time to do anything else. After completing my freshman year with more than acceptable grades, I planned to do more in my sophomore year and so I joined robotics. I regret the fact that I did not join earlier because my sophomore year is more gruesome than my freshman year was. From the time of joining until now, I feel like I have done more this year than any other year in recent memory. From the initial VEX season to the more challenging FIRST season, I learned more about robots, engineering, mechanics, programming, etc. than I had ever before. Robotics isn't only about learning things, but also about doing things and participating in competitions and, above all, having fun in all that you do and enjoying all of the experiences that you may have. I hope that robotics will impact others as it has impacted me.

From robotics, I feel that my life has become more challenging than it ever was in a positive way. I realize that the stuff I learn in class and from textbooks is not only used to get smart and get good grades, but it can also be applied to so many more things. Being a part of robotics has made me think differently and search for my own answers to problems that my team and I faced. It has also helped me to manage my own life more carefully. I learned that procrastination is not good, even though I still do it. Also, my grades are harder to maintain than ever before, but in the end after all has been said and done, I feel more accomplished than I would have otherwise. Now I know why people don't do their assignments, or turn them in late. It is mainly due to the fact that school is not everything and that we, as students, need to expand our knowledge not just in the classroom, but also by being involved, committed, and dedicated. You should be willing to offer up your time to something you enjoy doing and not just by yourself, but also with others in a team as well. From being involved with the team, I learned that one person cannot be expected to be able to accomplish everything on their own, but needs the support of others. Teammates are not there to hold you back and slow you down, but they can actually help you and correct you if what you are doing is wrong and lend support when you are right. From the build seasons to the competitions, I have met a wide range of people from those that I had known prior to joining to others that are from different countries.

I joined judo in my first year of high school. During my sophomore year, I was hired as a part time tutor at Kumon center. When my junior year first started, I thought to myself that I must join an after school activity to complete my schedule. I had considered joining robotics in freshman year, however, robotics sounded like a place with a high threshold. I assumed that there would be tryouts, like the way that sports select the fittest players. When I finally stepped into J-4 to attend a VEX robotics informational meeting, my previous assumptions were shattered to pieces. Apparently, anyone with any interest is invited to join VEX robotics. Without further hesitation, I had my parents sign my papers, thus becoming a new member of the VEX program. Throughout the VEX season, my eyes and my mind were exposed to brand new objects and vocabulary. The phrase that I used most frequently was, “What is that?” Later, I became a member of the FIRST animation team. My saying has changed to, “How do you do that?” As you can see, robotics has taught me new information and changed my perspective. The most significant lesson I have learned is the distinction between “commitment” and “dedication.” You can show that you are committed by coming to robotics every day. On the other hand, a dedicated person is someone who shows up prepared every day. Robotics has impact my life by proving that classroom knowledge can be applied outside of class. Finally, robotics has taught me the important value of dedication.