[archiver]

Posted by mike aubry.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Engineer on team #47, Chiefs, from Pontiac Central.

Posted on 3/26/2000 8:42 AM MST


In Reply to: Domination: Alliance #47 and #111 posted by Brian Beatty on 3/25/2000 5:55 PM MST:



Thankyou for the compliments! As you know, we've gotten close before and walked away without a trophy. But, we always tell the students that no matter what happens we will live to play another day. The holy grail of FIRST robotics has already been won by every team that has taken on the challenge, recognized the opportunity, and participated in this wonderful learning event. We all know there's only one trophy, but there's many, many winners! That is the single most important thing that every team should always remember, for if this ever becomes such that the prize is more important than the experience, then it's lost it purpose. This is something that every team should do a sense check against, to be sure that they haven't been blinded by the brillance of the limelight that often goes along with the trophy! It's important to remember the purpose, and I was glad to see those postings last week. Ever since I've been part of this team, our first and most important goal every year is to 'Do all we can to INSPIRE the students to pursue a career in the field of science, math and technology. This includes Engineering, Design, Electronics, Computer Sciences, and any other related field. If along the way we are recognized for our efforts in nomination or winning awards - that's all just extra. Like everyone else it makes us all feel good about what we are doing and what we have accomplished. The robot design, build and competition part of the FIRST experience is a point of pride to the devoted Engineers, Designers, Teachers and Students that make up our team - so when we 'get it right' or can field a machine that is capable of playing the game the way we had intentioned, we are even more thankful. I was not able to attend the MidWest regional, due to a previous scheduled event (a promise to my lovely wife to stay home 1 weekend in March) so it pleases me even more when others recognize the enormous effort that our team put forth. I understand that your machine is the usual awesome machine that we have come to expect from your also very talented and devoted team. Sorry I missed it, but I'll check it out in a couple of weeks. Good Luck to you and the team, in Florida I'll be there! (taking the wife along and then taking the next week for a vacation) This is called strategic planning!