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Unread 11-03-2002, 10:48
Mike Gray Mike Gray is offline
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#0067 (Heroes of Tomorrow)
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Milford, MI
Posts: 16
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Inspiration V.S. resource envy

Well said Ken!

Superior machines are within the reach of every team regardless of resources. I'll explain in a minute, but FIRST...

Attitude adjustment time. A well-designed, well-executed robot deserves our attention. We all can learn from the those who designed and built it. Those with the right attitude will commend a team for a job well done, and query them about how how they did it. Hopefully we are inspired to do as well, and go learn whatever we need to in order to do the same or better.

With simple tools, an experienced engineer or technician can build anything. The man who built an engine for the Wright brothers used nothing but a chisel and file. Modern tools simply reduce the time to produce accurate parts while reducing waste.

Now, rather than rationalizing about team resources, why not take your newly acquired inspiration to the school board. Ask them why machine shops and electronics labs have been eliminated. Tell them that you need these things. Tell them that there should be a connection between the physics class, electronics lab, and machine shop. In short, let your experience with FIRST make a positive change in our society. Education is an industry, and we all are the customers.

If the technical programs are returned to the high schools, then FIRST will have accomplished a part of its collective goal. Students, and society in general will benefit. Students can be inspired as much by watching as doing. However, if the schools have good technical programs, students are more likely to be involved in design and fabrication, thus improving the overall experience.

Its OK to be envious of teams with greater resources, but turn the envy into positive action. Every team can have similar resources, perhaps on a smaller scale. Talk to school administrators. Make it happen. You can do it.

End of rant,
Mike Gray
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