[JaneYoung]

If we always look at the bottom, we never see the benefits of the top. Or the sides - left-right-inside-outside-allaroundside...

Take some time to browse through the library of white papers that are here in Chief Delphi and look at the people/teams that develop and write those white papers. Several of those top teams that many aspire to be - share - their knowledge and expertise. If you are attending the Championship this year, attend the conferences and you will see that several of those top teams that many aspire to be - take the time to put together a presentation and - share - their expertise/knowledge. Part of the expertise that they share - is the journey to where they are - now. Much of the inspiration and innovation that is respected and valued is found in the steps taken on the journey. The competitions that the teams participate in, are and were part of that journey.

Another aspect of this is change. I'm not seeing much discussion about that. FRC is becoming old enough now, that we are seeing high school graduates returning as mentors on teams, with their college degree(s) under their belts, having established, or, in the process of establishing careers. Because of their past experiences in FRC, they are ready to hit the ground running, with skill sets in place and toolboxes - full. The toolboxes don't necessarily hold just the tools to build the robot, they hold the tools to build the team.

We are also seeing teams reap the benefits of experience in FLL, FTC, VEX, BEST, and other robotic competitions. Students who were/are members of those teams - are bringing those experiences to the table. How does that help a FRC team? It strengthens it. Immediately if not sooner. Does the team still have the journey? Yes. But - not necessarily the same journey that the older teams have had. The older teams cut through the brush, creating the path. The newer/younger teams can follow the now well-worn path or branch off on a new one.

I'm happy for teams who find the ways and means to travel to multiple regionals/competitions. I honestly have no idea how they manage it and manage their other responsibilities such as school, work, family... but they manage. I'm also happy for teams who are learning the benefits of traveling to more than one regional. 418 is one of those. We have learned a lot in the past year and it has benefited our team, but it took us a long time to get to the point where we could seriously think about a 2nd regional. I'm also happy for teams who travel to one competition. It's what they do - for whatever reason. They show up and they compete - and they've had the experience of the build season, and perhaps the year's work and planning, to celebrate together as a team.

There is always going to be a top and a bottom and something in between. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing wrong with it. It is part of the journey. What can help is working together more in our areas/regions, sharing our knowledge and expertise in support of each other. The top teams can't do it all. They can't pull the load for the rest of us.

Jane