[rcmolloy]

I have 3 distinct memories from this year that are all worth mentioning.

New Jersey Eliminations

These were the most fun I have ever had down on the field as a student. Playing with 1089 and 102 was surely a blast as we took down the power house alliance that included CT Regional Winner 1923, and Einstein Semi-Finalist 25. Even though we won by a different aspect of the game and not the main one (hanging tubes) it opened eyes and showed the importance of the Minibot. Even though we were only Finalists, I still love every minute being down there.

Philadelphia #1 Seed

I told Akash Rastogi that by the end of the day on Saturday of the Philly Regional that we would end up at #1 seed. Going into the last match, 341 deployed their Minibot too early and that gave us the advantage. I know that they deserved that spot and they should have had it but Philly has been unexpected over the past few years. Anyway, we had our last match up with us and 816 against the strong green machine, MOE 365. Before the match, we weren't connecting with the field and we had our classmate replaced. After that was done, my drive joysticks were switched and I was driving the different sides of the robot. Trying to drive like that made me frustrated and annoyed that we might lose the match. However, we ended up in first place with a win and it was the most excited I have ever been about the performance with the robot and the team.

After Philly Wrap Up

I stared at the Logomotion field with tears in my eyes after the awards concluded. Yeah I was upset about the eliminations and the red card but I was more upset about the team and how we did so great but it just wasn't enough to get us to STL. The pain I had from that was tremendous but it reminded me of how I will bring my FIRST experience my college and workplace. Also, I will try my best to mentor teams for as long as I am living because this program has given me the greatest experience of my life.