Quote:
Originally Posted by engunneer
Pick a topic and just start learning. Volunteer yourself for being a rule-nerd and learn the rules front to back. Start by helping with the small things that are useful, like keeping people on task, or helping clean up at the end of the night.
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I'll vouch for this. Knowing the rules inside and out is probably what helped me most during my freshman year: if you're the rules guru, you can help out almost anywhere and people will come to you for help with all aspects of the team. Even if you don't consider yourself mechanically-minded, you'd be surprised on how much you can learn and pick up on just by telling someone they're not allowed to use Globe motors.
One of my mentors was always insistent that "no matter what, there's always something to do - even if it's just pushing a broom, you're being helpful." Offer to help clean up from dinner, sort miscellaneous drill bits, take pictures (if you don't already have a designated photographer, your team will thank you!), or proofread a team newsletter.
Your mentors (and student leaders) are there to help you, so talk to them if you haven't already! Sometimes they can find opportunities for you to help out with, but they can't help you get more involved if they don't know that you want to be. Also, try talking with some of the veterans on your team and make friends with them - build season is a lot more fun with friends in the shop or lab!