Posted by Kate T190 at 04/13/2001 6:33 PM EST
Engineer on team #190, Gompei, from Mass Academy of Math and Science and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
In Reply to: Re: No more adult coaches
Posted by Erica Schindler on 04/13/2001 3:05 PM EST:
It's something along the lines of this competition is to INSPIRE students and to put the engineers in the spotlights for the kids instead of sports figures. He doesn't tell everyone HOW to inspire the students that participate.
Different folks, different strokes. Everyone gets inspired differently, and teams decide on how they're going to run their team by however they feel is best. This includes choosing who's going to coach on stage. Some students react well to adult coaching while others relate better to how other students coach.
Whatever problems there have been with adult coaches has been on a case by case basis. If adults don't listen to students (or vice versa) when strategizing, there isn't really anything you can do about it at that time. Teams can work to make sure that both the students and engineers understand what needs to happen and that whatever decisions that are made are in the best interest of the whole alliance.
Personally, I haven't had much of a problem with student to engineer relationships on the various teams I've been on. I've earned a lot of respect from a lot of different people, and they have the same respect from me.
I think a lot of what happens up on stage might have something to do with how individuals carry themselves and present their ideas. If someone is just yelling or being stubborn, their ideas likely won't be well taken. But if an individual carries themself with confidence, understanding, and willingness to listen, I believe that things will go smoothly.
A lot of people in FIRST have my respect, both student and adult coaches. Not just coaches, but that's who's being focused on in this thread. You know who you are.
I guess that's enough rambling for now. Best of luck to everyone with what "off season" competitions they're attending. Looking forward to seeing everyone whenever possible.
T190 XO
Kate