[Carolyn Duncan]

Last year I was on a team where the adults spent most of their time helping the students do things... We worked together to build something that we were mostly proud of, there was one facet of our robot which had very little student involvment and we were not at all proud of it, it was also the part that worked (or didnt work) the worst.
This year the students on 86 also do most of the building. My job this year is to be an "adult" and it is very difficult. Being only a year older than many of the students they see me as some kid who they don't have to listen to, and the adults do a very good job of keeping me on their level. I often give the students who I see working harder, or smarter, more chances to chose their work rather than appointing them to a job. Those who don't listen often get to do the les desirable jobs, ie sweeping the metal chips off the floor or holding pieces up for a long time. This year we taught kids how to use a circular saw. Some of them had never used one, they were scared until we showed them how to safely use the saw, after we put the backwards blade on right.
So to the students I ask you to realize that the college students on the team have a hard time telling you not to do something that they want to do. And the adults I ask you to have faith in the students, you never know how they will suprise you given the chance. All you have to do is guide them.