[JamesCH95]

We all must ask ourselves: why are we doing this? No one is twisting your arm, there are no personal negative consequences for pushing hard, or taking it easy, or not doing FRC at all.

I think it's good for students to push hard and learn where their own personal line exists. I think it can be good to cross from time to time as well. Pushing that limit is how we all learn and grow as individuals. Furthermore it is great to experience this level of stress while in HS because you have a family to support you if you crash, and HS is not the end of the world.

Managing stress/eating/sleep is a significant part of any competition, athletic/FRC/auto racing/otherwise. Controlling how your team operates under these conditions plays a reasonable role in your successes. Having enough people familiar with the robot and pit operations to take lunch in shifts is a good idea. Not keeping your drive team at the venue later than needed is another good idea.

Do not ask FRC to make life easier for you. When you go to college, and then launch into real life, there won't be anyone there to make sure you eat lunch or go to bed on time. You will have to be responsible for these aspects of your life. Again, learning this about yourself while you still have the safety net of mentors and family is very good. Much better than screwing up in early adult life where the consequences are greater than in HS.

If FRC were easy we wouldn't get as much out of it as we do and the experience wouldn't be as meaningful as it is. All of these 'soft' challenges (as opposed to the 'hard' techncial challenge of the game/robot) impart very meaningful life lessons that you should take to heart. I would encourage you to not resent the forge of FRC for being as hot as it is, but instead to be proud of the fact that you survived it and came out stronger.