Regarding the "closing" of the pits during the ceremonies, I look at it not only as the aforementioned respect for the speakers and recipients, but also as a time for everyone to take a break from the robot itself and take in the atmosphere of how incredible it is what you are actually doing. You are competing with
140lb ROBOTS that
YOU built! Take the 1/2 hour to clear the head, stop thrashing and enjoy the company of a few thousand of your peers that have a LOT in common with you.
Make friends. You never know, some could become lifelong.
I am pursuing becoming an FTA not only because I enjoy the technology, atmosphere and inner workings of the events, but also due to the mantra that I have running through my head at every event that I have worked:
Quote:
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These kids shouldn't really have to know how hard it is to put an event on until after they are through their Participant phase and enter their Mentor phase (and hopefully Volunteer phase as well). They will find out soon enough.
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I have been an FTAA 3 times (hopefully I can remove that last A next year) along with an event as an Inspector. Seeing the amount of dedication that the Volunteers (Key, Lead, Eye Protection Handout...take your pick) have for making the event go off is amazing. The planning for the next years event begins pretty much when the field is being packed up into the truck to head to the next venue (and sometimes even before that).
Think back to your events and try to remember when you didn't see the Key Volunteers either on-station or rushing around. They are pretty much on the job from a few hours before the venue opens each day through a few hours after Pits close trying to grab a bite to eat when they can (or being forced to eat by other Volunteers that notice you haven't eaten anything...Thanks Guys!). Sometimes the ceremonies are the only time certain Volunteer positions can realistically take a break.
I know that as FTAA during the Las Vegas Regional this year my Body Bug reported that I covered about 55 miles, about 95% of that in the space of the field and immediate surrounding, from Wednesday morning at field assembly through Saturday night when the back of the truck closed after packing the field into it. Some friends and family even mentioned not seeing me move that much, or that fast, in a long time when they were watching the streaming feed.
Working an event is easily the most exhausting thing I have ever done...
and I love it and wouldn't miss it for the world. My wife has accepted the fact that she is now a Robotics Widow and that I am pretty much useless the day after an event wraps up.
See you from the other side of the glass in 2015! 