This is the first year I am on the robotics team. Joining robotics is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It showed me how hard work really does pay off. To see scraps of metal being put together and turning into a robot, one that actually functions, makes me realize those late nights, hard work, and frustration are all worth it in the end. During the VEX season, I found that I enjoyed putting the robot together. It was fun and I was able to learn how to use different tools like the digital multi meter. I had no idea what nuts, lock nuts, limit switches, etc were. After the VEX season, I realized engineering is a lot harder than I first thought.
I joined robotics because some of the new friends I made in freshmen year told me that it was really fun and I should try it. Another reason is because I wanted something to do afterschool. Usually, I just went home or hung out with my friends at fast food places.
Robotics has made me feel a lot smarter. I know and understand what most people in robotics are actually talking about now. My mind does not just draw a blank anymore. In school, we sit in desks and listen to the teacher. Honestly, that is just plain boring. In robotics, I am applying what I learn each day, and I understand better because it’s a hands-on activity. Robotics makes me feel important, that I actually have something that I can do. Another reason I feel smarter is because I actually do more homework now than I did before. Even so, my math grade has gone down. I do not really care too much about that because it just provokes me to work harder to keep my grades up, so I can stay on the team.
At the VEX competitions, I saw so many people competing and so many different designs. I felt so excited and wanted to see how far my team’s robot could go. I never thought we would be seeded first. Even though we lost, I could not wait to get back to work and fix the robot. I learned what our advantages and disadvantages were and helped my team to build a new and improved robot.
When I first signed up for the FIRST team, I never thought I would get in. Although I was not confident, I still went to my interview and did the best I could. I was so elated to find out that I made it on the mechanical team. Since we started, I've learned many new things. John taught us how to find the ideal gear ratio using stall torque and free speed. I admit it took me a long time before I understood that. When we started to work using the mill and the lathe in the machine shop, I was so scared. I was very hesitant to use those machines. Then, I saw Mr. Ing using them and I learned how to operate them. I have used both machines, but I like the mill the best.
Robotics has impacted my life positively. I have made new friends, became closer with people I already knew, learned new things including how to apply what I have learned. Robotics is like my second family. I am really glad I joined and plan on joining robotics again next year.