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Re: Student burnout
If students are feeling burned out in high school... wait until they have a mortgage, kids, and a demanding job. (and still want to build robots)
This isn't to say it can't happen. For many students FRC is their first opportunity to experience an infinitely difficult challenge that is matched by an intense desire to solve it. It creates a stressful and demanding environment, that is capped off by crazy 13 hour bus rides and stuff like that.
Learning to manage a stressful and demanding workload, while having a meaningful life and valuing those close to you, is perhaps more important than learning the technical skills in FRC. I know, as a mentor, I had more respect (not less) for students who would occasionally tell me, "I really want to work on the robot tonight, but it is ________ family gathering and I want to be there for my family, too." or "I'm behind in my ________ class and need to catch up for the big test in two days. I'll be back at the robot on Friday." Life is about balance, and being 100% obsessed about FRC (for more than a few weeks at a time) is not balance.
Also learn to keep an eye out for your friends and colleagues who aren't maintaining a healthy balance. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word, or an "I'll take care of that." to help them go home feeling better. Sometimes by taking a day off yourself, when you need it, you give others the license to take a day off when they need it. Leadership is often portrayed as working harder than anyone else... but leadership also is about showing balance, and leading a meaningful life.
Consider FRC like sour candy or potato chips... it tastes SOOOoooo good sometimes that you can't help but having just a little bit more. But if that is all you eat, you won't be healthy.
Jason
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