[droswell]

We're a small team in Vermont and struggle every year just to make enough to pay for one regional (now districts). We've been doing this since 2008, and even now if one of our two main sponsors leave, I really don't know how we would do it. We've done fundraisers, approached businesses, partnered with local schools. It's terribly frustrating, but at the same time I can't imagine not doing FRC.

When you see some of the other teams with massive resources, tons of kids, business plans, and everything else, it can get overwhelming and you think you'll never get there. Sometimes you think it's just not fair your kids don't get to use a water jet, or can't afford swerve modules. But in the end, we all struggle to finish, we all run into issues, and the really great teams give us something to look up to. I can't tell you it gets easier, but I can tell you that you will get better at doing it.

This is something I think every mentor frets about. Some have less to worry about financially, but other issues are on their mind. I do wish there was more recognition for smaller teams. I know from our experience that coming home with an award, any award, makes fundraising for us easier. It's much better to walk into a business and tell them how well your team does and how it has received awards. So there is value in smaller teams getting some sort of recognition from FIRST. Something to keep in mind.

I think it would be great for struggling teams to get help, I just don't know how that would happen. In the meantime, keep up the good fight.