[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

I guess I just went to the competition with a sour taste in my mouth, the code was messy, so I got in trouble by my mentor for that... and we had problems first 4-5 matches, the class mate was broken and had to be reformatted. We were in the match that the field wifi system went hay wire or something. Our robot didn't respond a match. The IR sensor did not work in autonomous mode so our robot drove into the tower and we got a penelty for crossing the line. It was the only regional we could go, so I know this was the last time I had to work on the robot, I was not in a good mood. When it worked, it was fantastic little robot. Just pissed why we didn't make the finals... Just regret is all I remember from the competition.

After being in this nine years, I can say if this little bit of unfortunate times is all you've experienced, you're doing just fine. ;-) Next time, check out some other team's robots, an figure out how they do what they do. Meet some people, make some friends, and have a good time. When your own team isn't doing as well as you'd like to, there's still plenty of fun to be had in other ways.

Your FIRST experience is what you make it.

Also, if your team is willing to raise the funds, I'd like to remind you that the fabulous Indiana Robotics Invitational will (I think?) be taking place in July. Team 980 from not too far away has gone every year. You might consider proposing to your team that they apply for this event.