Quote:
Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi
... I can't shake myself from a certain sense of disappointment...I wanted to get a few words of advice or encouragement from some mentors out there, especially the big guys out there.
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Here are a few thoughts from a mentor helping a small team from a small community: disappointment is normal; the passage of time helps reframe those feelings. This may sound trite, but it's true.
I find that disappointment often stems not so much from failing to win a trophy but specifically from not gaining the public recognition we feel our efforts warrant. Celebrity will always be a coveted status, meaning in a general sense 'reputation' or 'renown'.
The anonymity of a huge venue like Championship can be overwhelming. The vast overwhelming majority of FIRST teams who continue to inspire their students & compete each year despite relative anonymity have my utmost respect. (Role model teams help tremendously when they recognize the efforts of smaller teams that often fly under the radar for years. Those team awards many have created & give out go a long way toward easing the disappointment felt by often otherwise unrecognized teams.)
I find participation in smaller, off season events helps to refocus & rebuild faith in all a team has achieved.