Hello CD,
As the 31st of May looms over the horizon, the prospect of leaving one's team, the team where we grew, laughed and inspired one another to continually challenge the impossible, now spurs the heavy hearts of soon-to-be FRC graduates to seek to fill that tragic void; a new generation of mentors is about to commence the journey of a lifetime.
This departure is especially bitter-sweet for me, as I am one of the seven "core" members that founded our team. I was there when our robot was lovingly dubbed "The Biggest Loser" in 2011, after we frantically shaved 32 pounds off of it in one competition weekend. I was there when we implemented the student government and instated a varsity letter program. I was one of the presenters that earned us the title of the (currently) youngest team to have earned a district Chairman's award, and I am so proud to be among the very first generation of Toasters to have ever attended the World Championship. Everything I, and my fellow senior teammates, have done can be traced directly to the foundations of how the team is run and what the team stands for. My only consolation in this separation lies in the fact that I know I have contributed significantly to the legacy of this phenomenal team.
While one journey is rapidly approaching its conclusion, another is just about to set sail in unfamiliar waters: Mentorship. Beyond the sorrow and regret I feel for my time as a student ending sprouts the excitement of a new role, a new experience with new faces and places; a chance to help others grow while evolving myself, to become a role model and source of guidance for the harbingers of a brighter future.
Already my outlook changes. I began as a cynic, not understanding our coach's point of view when he would gesture toward one of the newer members and say, "I know he'll make a great robot manager. She'll be a leader in two years." All I saw was a bunch of freshmen who lacked knowledge and motivation. I thought the team wouldn't be able to survive once the core graduated. Yet... this season has truly opened my eyes, and I have begun the metamorphosis from student to mentor. Now, as I glance around the workshop, I can see clearly in my mind the next president and CEO, the Chairman's trio, the robot designers and the drivers. I have faith in my younger teammates; I know each of their strengths and weaknesses, and how to aid them in developing further. It's exciting for me when I discover that one of them has a newfound talent, such as a typically shy and reclusive member being able to give a great presentation during auditions. They just need an opportunity to spread their wings and take flight, as all Flying Toasters must one day do.
As much as I may be looking forward to mentoring, there is still a lingering fear of the unknown. I'll be 600 miles away from the team I have helped to build, attending university in a secluded new environment with an older team to aid. I am already well aware of the concerns addressed in the ATTN: Current & Future College Students thread — I can pace myself reasonably well under immense stresses/responsibilities, and if things become dire I will re-prioritize at once. I know my limits. My primary concerns lie in the unfamiliarity of it all, and I suppose some of them can only be alleviated through experience; regardless, I would love to hear any stories or words of advice from a mentor's perspective.
What were some of the largest adjustments you had to make while undergoing this transition?
What lessons did you learn from your first year of mentoring?
Have you tried mentoring through digital media (ex: Skype video chat, emails, etc.), and if so, how? How successful is this method?
What is it like suddenly belonging to a new team? Did you carry over many of the things you learned from your high school/previous team?
Who or what was your inspiration to mentor after high school?
Please excuse me if this is a commonly-discussed topic — I don't want to be on the receiving end of a
emoticon. I don't frequently post on CD, except to make announcements of upcoming events...