Leave it up to Gracie to come up with a thread that get's everyone's attention. I think I'll post my response after the quotes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SafetyGracie
I told him that not many people come on to our robotics team knowing what they're doing, and we train people to learn the skills that we use to build the bot. As long as you show an interest, you can become a part of the team and join whatever subteam you want to, and we'll get you the skills necessary.
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Gracie, that is one of the best response I have heard for this situation. And I've heard a lot (especially looking down this thread). Good job!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SafetyGracie
Yeah, we always try to show them Samir. =)
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This is Samir, he can be a goofball sometimes (last I checked, he was in our team uniform and going to ride that bot around the fair).
Quote:
Originally Posted by tennispro9911
Our team tries to explain that we will go through and teach incoming members all of the basics they need to succeed and that there are many different positions and needs on the team other than just building robots. Every member will make contributions in what they enjoy doing and are good at doing. We are a team that needs lots of people who are different and not just the "genius and nerd."
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We really are pushing that this year and making sure people know it. If they are remotely interested in what we do, we encourage them and try to find a place they fit in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SafetyGracie
We kind of have that situation. There is a kid on our team with a mental disability(it's mild) but we still find things for him to do. He deburs and rivets and some other stuff. He enjoys it, and he's still putting something in for the team, so no one minds really.
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We have a couple like that. But I don't know many times they don't try to find something to help with. And with a lot of holes and rivets, it isn't hard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaneYoung
I like the word, potential.
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Potential, everyone has it. That's the way I try to see things around here. It's not that hard at all. Find what they're good at and build on it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseK
I think along these lines as well. My response would be "Sure you are! You just haven't realized it yet."
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That's catchy, I think it would get a lot of people encouraged to join.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Baker
Smart is a relative term. Everyone is smart about something, but still dense about others. Once people realize that they have potential to be smart at anything, nothing can stop them.
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I have found that to be true in each person I have found. Whether they can draw, do math, sketch awesome ideas, or even talk, I haven't found anyone who isn't smart.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Rotolo
Holy Cow, this thread has more WOW quotes than any I have read in several years.
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I don't know about several years, but I read it with my mouth open the entire time. Then to realize who started it, I'm impressed.
When I talk to someone who is interested in what we are doing, I'll start to talk to them, kinda make friends with them. When I show them stuff on the robot, I'll simplify some of the names to help them understand, and I still may not know what it's called either, but I know it is definitely a thingy that does this or that. As they become more interested or start to shy off, especially with the classic "I'm not that smart", I'll pull out what they're good at and then make it fit in the team. It is hard to not find something they aren't good at or don't like to do. They can all fit in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaneYoung
If I may, passion will help get through school - but smart goes a long way towards achieving that degree. We need our smart people. We need our brilliant people. We also need to remember that sometimes there are those who are forming/deciding who they are and what they are made of and they may not think they have what it takes. That is when passion and support can help them engage. We need our JVNs and Karthiks. We need our Andy Bakers and Dave Laverys. We need our MGoelzs and our KathieKs. Everyone can contribute, can care, can make a difference on a team and in this thing called FIRST. That's the point.  |
Yes, you may.