[Tom Bottiglieri]

When I was in high school, we kicked the mentors away from the robot design. We wanted to be a 100% student built team. We built a couple of decent robots, and won a few awards. When I was in high school I hated "engineer built" robots, so I know exactly how you feel. I was there.

When I went to college and started "mentoring" teams (a new team, and my old team under new management) I met some people who have forgotten more than I will ever know. This was a huge reality check and ego shock.

I can attest that mentoring is probably the most important aspect of this program. Even as a "mentor", I am still being mentored by engineers who work with the team.

Now, most of the students who I was with in high school have graduated the program and never looked back. They go to competitions on Saturday and complain to me about mentors on other teams working on the robots, just as we did when we were students.

And now it is clear to me that we didn't really "get it". Dave was correct. Very correct.

For all of you who think that "student run" is the best way to go.. why don't you put your ego aside and try talking to a professional engineer. Invite them to your build sessions. Ask questions. Sometimes what they say may seem backwards to you, but believe me what you say seems backwards to them. You NEED engineers' help! I cannot stress this point enough.