[Ngang]

The hardest thing I've learned is that there isn't one "right" path for your future; what you expected may not be what you need.

I'm a junior and I've been on my team since I entered high school. I've always had a passion for STEM, especially after my mom took me to a FRC regional when I was 9. It didn't come as a surprise to many when I ran for a leadership position on the team for next season. After all, I worked hard all season and had a lot of experience with both electronics and programming - to the extent that when there were issues in the pit, I was called instead of a department head.

Unfortunately, I lost the election to someone with less passion and less experience on the team. I wasn't completely surprised since our election system kinda boils down to a popularity contest, but it definitely hurt.

Still, I know that I'm a valued member of the team and I still have as much respect as I did before; I don't need a title to know that. Our team plans to expand a lot next year by implementing CAD, and since I'm not tied down by leadership duties, I'll have a lot more wiggle room helming that initiative. I'll still be able to leave my mark on the team, even without a fancy position.