FIRST and Success: A Question of Definition

[Redhead Jokes]

Originally posted by M. Krass


Why aren't the kids who sit alongside the sidelines and observe as valued? Why are they looked upon as leeches, in it for a trip? What definition do we use to determine their worth to the team, or the program? Do we deem the program a failure in their case? Maybe those students inspire the gearheads to look beyond science and engineering - to art, or history, or economics. Is that counterproductive? Has FIRST failed if a student learns so much about themselves that they realize engineering *isn't* their path? ....like I have.

In our family's case...
Our family rule is 2 extracurriculars. My stepson reluctantly at our insistence signed up for BeachNet (our high school's student run community ISP) and Robotics.

He did nothing at robotics except show up.

The VP made a very unpopular decision to pay for ss's trip to Nationals - the year they won the championship. One of the very rare times we've seen enthusiasm in ss.

Next year husband joins as computer guru mentor, to help his son stay in the program. Husband ends up working on the robot and LOVING it. My 17yo daughter joined also to help her less than gregarious stepbrother stay in the program. To everyone's surprise, she ends up working on the robot at the machine shop, co-drives at all the competitions, and president of robotics for the next season.

Season 2003 we go to year round program. I join in spring 2002. My 14yo goes to welding jr college class with her stepdad, and kicks his butt. Now my girls, my husband and I are thoroughly involved in robotics and my ss dropped out.

I've always felt grateful to the VP for making that unpopular decision. He couldn't have seen, and we didn't know, that decision would draw our family into the program.

I think about my ss when I get so frustrated with the few team members we've got who show up for the free food (food sponsors or me), for the promise of trips, and who try and often succeed to do nothing while there.

Some of those members truly have talents that can be put to use - either robotically or artistically. They just don't have "ownership" of the team or motivation yet to participate.

They haven't yet experienced a kick-off, the six weeks, or a competition.

I'll keep plugging. Who knows what will come of it.