[MGoelz]

I get this response often. Even sitting at lunch, talking to some friends, somebody will say, "I'm not smart enough to do that."

That's when I like to tell stories about how certain members of our team joined, thinking it was all fun and games and we only want to win, who now take it seriously, still have a lot of fun, but have learned so much it has taken them down a completely different path. It has lead to different careers.

I tell them my own story. Sure, I may be a little "book smart," but I knew next to nothing about robotics when I joined. The beauty was in the learning. I too have always felt welcome. Robotics is more of a family to me than my own. It changed me and the way I think. I want to be an engineer now. Had I not been given the opportunity to be on this team, I never would have truly desired to be an engineer, let alone know the intricacies of designing and manufacturing something.

And, as has been mentioned, taking the time to teach them something small right then and there, will make a huge difference in what they think they can do. It did with me. There were a few people who took the time to show me and teach me, and I have and always will admire and respect them for that. I try to do the same, because I am living proof that it works.

It simply takes convincing that they are capable. Convincing and the desire of the interested student to learn, and the willingness of veteren members to welcome them and teach them.