[jankBS]

Disclaimer: The following opinion is purely my own and does not represent Team 1717 or the DPEA.

As a freshly graduated member of Team 1717, I respect the new Mechatronics project, but I personally do not feel that it adequately replaces all the aspects of FRC that attracted me in the first place. While the Mechatronics project continues teaching the broad spectrum of STEAM topics much like the 3 preceding years of DPEA classes, Robotics provided the freedom to pick my favorite subject (CAD) and specialize in it, as well as a longstanding team history and diverse global community to inspire me.

As a capstone project, FRC's rigorous and stressful build season generated a team bonding experience like no other. Together we watched the release of the game video. Together we brainstormed and prototyped mechanisms. Together we spent long nights iterating and reiterating designs to perfection. Participating in Team 1717 developed my design and CAD skills exponentially, but more than that, I gained a true passion for mechanical engineering and the inspiration to drive myself forwards. The imposing time challenges, the myriad of supportive and technical chief delphi threads, and seeing other teams at regionals and St. Louis all contributed to my inspiration.

Robotics bequeathed upon me a wealth of knowledge and a drive to continue facing down obstacles in my future. While I can understand that Mechatronics may produce better rounded graduates, by consigning each senior to more standardized work and slotting it into the regular school day, inspirational value is lost.

I am very upset by the decision to cut Team 1717. Robotics is the most influential activity that I have ever participated in, and its surprise cancellation came as a nasty shock. I've lost the chance to mentor 1717 during my breaks, many rising seniors have lost a dream, and Dos Pueblos has lost a jewel of inspiration.

I hope Mechatronics is able to maintain the legacy of 1717 in future success.