[Nick_P]

I was lucky to be picked as one of two junior captains because of a lack of seniors. That first year in a role of leadership, I taught freshmen how to work with the electrical components, pneumatics, and what I knew about networking and code, while still providing a bridge between both mechanical systems and controls, and mentors and students.

This year is a bit different. In fact, a lot different. At the beginning of the build season, we were asked to step back a little bit. I realize that I can't teach my peers much more. Those that I taught last year will teach this years freshmen.

In fact, this year, it is my job to make sure that I turn the other members of the team into eligible team captains. Steve (the other co-captain) and I won't be there next year to make decisions. A captain should give decisions to younger members, remind them of both the pros and cons of each choice, and say "good luck" in hopes that they make the best decision for the team.

So, in the end, it is the captain's job to make leadership contagious.