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Re: Elitist Teams
Great thread, good response by Adam.
It is an important issue to flesh out as I've had my moments in competition as a spectator and alumni commentator amongst FIRST friends (and these days, advising the Ypsi teams, more so 470).
Since I have joined FIRST in 2001 (FLL, older sister in FRC on the championship winning team (for those keeping notes at home: Penguins, post Mystery Machine)), I have had (way too much) time to think this over. But I really do not worry too much about it, as what we discuss here reflects fairly accurately on the real world (i.e. USA over the rest of the world, yet that is disappearing as we speak).
Thus, some thoughts:
1.) The "speak softly and carry a big stick quote" is important. For those of us who work hard on the "speak softly" part of this, the "carrying a big stick" part has a heck of a learning curve, and with teams (or generally large groups) this is a heck of a task... Same goes if you're working hard on carrying the big stick and need the speak softly bit.
2.) As an alumnus of 66, and having had the privilege to be partners with 67 back in 2005's GLR, I must admit that yes, it is great to be on a great team with a great robot, etc. etc. etc. But it is extremely good to keep the mind in check. As in asking yourself: OK, team's good, competition looking like it is going to be ours, are our partners in line with us? Did we miscommunicate something? How do things look from the less experienced or less capable teams and how can I work with them so that our alliance and/or the overall competition experience comes off well.
2a.) This goes for in real life too: prospects for college/career look good, family and friends online with you here? Any miscommunications need addressing? etc. Oh yeah, do I have some idea or a strategy with what I am doing in life? Build confidence on facts, credible claims, and solid skills. And even then, always be looking out for the next possible 'gotcha'. Keep on this and you'll have no time for grumbling against others.
I post this, apologizing for where I have screwed up (mightily) before (even this weekend).
On a side note: Joel made a small uttering of Ypsilanti and Willow Run School Districts consolidating. This will be put up to a vote, if it passes, there is a likelihood that 66/470 could pool resources, hopefully not merge, as having a couple teams in the area is good for many reasons. I anticipate any result to be awesome, but I will be monitoring closely to help things go smoothly... :/
Peace to all!
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