[archiver]

Posted by Ken Leung at 02/24/2001 7:46 AM EST


Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.


In Reply to: Dedicated few...
Posted by nick237 on 02/23/2001 6:59 PM EST:



Well Nick... it all comes down to what you want personally out of your time. Not because of how FIRST design their game, or how without you there will be no robot, or how much you are needed in the team.

One thing I learn this year is that no one is irreplaceable. I do not mean any disrespect or anything, it¡¦s just that the team will survive with or without a person like me, no matter what happen. That¡¦s the way things are. And because of that, you do not need to feel obligated to stay in the team just for other people. They can still handle the problems without a person like you. Although it will be extremely hard for them to do it without your help, they will still be able to ¡§handle¡¨ the problems.

So, sometimes when it is really tough and hard for you personally, then you can always cut yourselves loose without feeling bad, because you really don't have any reason to. You've been giving your energy and time into teaching the students about the competition and engineering, so why can't you trust that you are a good enough teacher who taught them to stand up by themselves.

I can tell that you've been giving a lot to the team without asking much back, therefore you don't have to feel like you are taking something away from the team when you leave. Feel free to do whatever you want to do. Pursue something that excites you. Go take your time and relax. If it just so happens that doing another year of FIRST doesn't fit the above description, then don't do it. No one should be stopping you from what you want to do.

Maybe this is a great opportunity for your team to revaluate how important you are. It's time to show the other "dedicated" how much they have to commit to be front and center on stage for the fun and games. Show them how much work it take to get a team organized and function well.

With all of those said... I am sure your team really needs you badly, just by listening the students on your team talking about you. You are one of the truly committed people in FIRST, and I really admire you for sticking with you team and this year's game despite all the hardship and suffering.

With all the production behind us¡K Let¡¦s just try to have fun the rest of the year.

Some people see the glass half filled; some people see the glass half empty¡K
Me¡K I see the glass too big.