[jimwick]

This is a problem always, but can usually be overcome. Guys are just accustomed to blundering ahead. I know, I am one.

Your adult mentors should be able to help. I certainly hope they are people who can appreciate your issues and will be willing and able to deal with them. Very often the adults on our team are approached by a student who has a concern like yours or something similar, and we see it as out duty to make things better. Usually we can. Very often the guys just don't realize what is happening.

Second, be sure your suggestions are solid and that you are able to back them up with a sketch, a little model, some data, a video on You Tube - whatever. Maybe you don't have to tackle the complete design of the bot at first; maybe you can make a suggestion about a sub-assembly or detail that is giving everybody else a headache. In the long run the facts will pull you through and people will learn to pay attention to you. Heaven knows there is always plenty to do, and in the end somebody who gets the job done will be respected.

Best of luck.

Bottom line for the girls on our team is that they have found a place and keep coming back the next year. Have hope!