Should I join robotics again or not?

[Ramiro_T]

Back when I was a freshman and sophomore, I used to be on the Falcon Robotics team (team 842), but I got out junior year because it didn't really feel the same. I also didn't feel very welcome by some of the people, and I also had to sustain duties at the computer club at my school making sure they run. Its going to be my senior year now, and I'm trying to wonder if I should join again or not. I've taken engineering school 7th and 8th grade summers and have a good idea of gear trains and stress points and what not. I'm superb with computer hardware and do some coding in Visual Basic and Java. I get most of my hardware knowledge from computer club, and from first-hand experience repairing video game systems and computers. I'm also highly disciplined in driving, since I've played a bunch of racing sims. Just give me a bit to get used to a robot's drivetrain, and I can show anyone what I can do.

[davidthefat]

I see why not. Unless you are not telling us a bigger issue, like why you quit int eh first place and whether it would interfere with school.

[Molten]

As David said, it depends on more variables then we are presented but I would say yes. Just be aware that you may be treated as "new" again. Many people forget this when joining a team with experience. Just because you have experience, doesn't mean your not new as far as the team is concerned. Odds are you won't be given the driver position. I'm sure some teams do things differently, but most teams I've heard of generally give that position to "veterans". You might find that the team has changed since you left, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you can get along with the team as it is now and gain something from the experience, I'd definitely suggest joining again.

Jason

[JaneYoung]

This type of discussion might be better served in the FAHA forum. It is set up so that a person can create a thread discussing problems or asking questions regarding team matters in more of an anonymous setting.

That said, regarding your post - I have a question for you. Are you prepared to be a team member? You have stated your credentials that you feel are valuable to the robotics team but they only talk about you. An important part of what you can contribute to the team is being a team player, developing skills in areas that are needed. It can mean that you listen as well as you talk. It can mean that you learn to appreciate and value the skills of your teammates. It can mean that you show leadership by being a key team player and sharing your knowledge. It can mean a lot of things. When considering rejoining the team for your senior year in high school, it presents a valuable opportunity for you to talk with your extraordinary mentors and discuss your concerns and ideas with them as you think about this. The senior year is a special year and only comes around once. Sharing that experience with your teammates on 842 would be very special.

Jane

[Duke461]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

This type of discussion might be better served in the FAHA forum. It is set up so that a person can create a thread discussing problems or asking questions regarding team matters in more of an anonymous setting.

That said, regarding your post - I have a question for you. Are you prepared to be a team member? You have stated your credentials that you feel are valuable to the robotics team but they only talk about you. An important part of what you can contribute to the team is being a team player, developing skills in areas that are needed. It can mean that you listen as well as you talk. It can mean that you learn to appreciate and value the skills of your teammates. It can mean that you show leadership by being a key team player and sharing your knowledge. It can mean a lot of things. When considering rejoining the team for your senior year in high school, it presents a valuable opportunity for you to talk with your extraordinary mentors and discuss your concerns and ideas with them as you think about this. The senior year is a special year and only comes around once. Sharing that experience with your teammates on 842 would be very special.

Jane

Couldn't agree more.
Almost every team could tell you of a team member that was a brilliant, skilled, and/or gifted person, but was cocky, arrogant, rude, and simply not a team player to the other team members. A lot of those teams might also tell you that that person was kicked off the team, or had to go through a tumultuous process of fixing his/her character.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am NOT calling you any of those things. If you feel like you have skills to help the team, then i encourage you to join 120%. But keep in mind you must be a team player. You cannot allow them not being a team player to affect your desire to be on a robotics team greatly, even if it's hard. Because FIRST is worth it.
I really hope you join the team again, FIRST is an amazing experience.
-duke

[KarenH]

It sounds to me like the easy and more comfortable thing for you to do would be to just stay involved with the computer club, learning what you can there and helping to arrange things so that the club continues to run well after you graduate. Maybe that is what you should do.

As others have pointed out, it sounds like a big issue with the robotics team involves personalities. (True with most groups, I'm afraid!) Sometimes the hidden purpose for personality clashes is for us to learn how to grow in our interpersonal relationships. Somehow in life, we can not just coast along being the same "good ol' person" we've always been. Whatever difficulties you had with other people on the team, I can guarantee that something similar will crop up elsewhere in your life, whether in your future schooling, career, neighborhood, etc. If you don't learn the needful lessons now, you will have to learn them later.

One thing I didn't see in your post is why you would enjoy being on the robotics team again. You know lots of stuff already; what else might you learn? If the team is not interested in your stated abilities and accomplishments, but wants you to do something else, would you still be happy to join the team? If you can't say why you want to be on the team again, then I would say you probably should not be on it.

[Chris is me]

This is a conversation you should probably have with 842's leadership. I'm sure they'd better be able to address your concerns and would be willing to help you make the right decision, no matter which one it is.

[falconmaster]

Being on our team requires dedication and commitment, knowledge is secondary. When you say you are going to be there and that it will be done. Then you better be and it should be done. If you can't make a commitment and stick to it then being on the team is not for you. People will have to do more paper work to replace you when you don't show up or someone will have to do your job when you don't do. Being a team player is critical! If you would like to discuss this further come see me in person I will not discuss this over CD or any public media. Thanks!

[Ramiro_T]

I read everyone's post very thoroughly and considered each one very well. I've always been one that has tried to be part of teamwork and such. But I should also consider that the computer club does rely on me to get the heavy work done on our network. And as for discussing on forums and networking, I sometimes like to do that to get the perspective of people I don't know to get a little more aid sometimes. I'll have to ask myself a few more questions, but thank you everybody! And Ledge, I guess I will have to talk to you, since a few things have changed since I was in robotics, not just for me, but for the team too. I've noticed quite well.

[MariaCastro]

EVERYONE on the team is offered the same opportunities to be a team player, it is up to each person to step up and play the game. I am sorry you did not feel comfortable but the real world has places where things don't happen exactly how you want them and that's just life. Every move, decision and choice we make as a team is backed up by evidence not emotions. We have spreadsheet, journals, sign-in sheets, how much money you raise, you name we have it. If you feel like you weren't welcome you could always consult one of the officers/mentors/team members. It's when you start to show up more and participate with what we do that you realize where your place is. If you have any further questions comments or concerns feel free to let me know you have me on facebook and you have my email. But I would ask if you have any issues in the future talk to some one about it before you post this on a public forum.

Thank you and may your summer be safe and full of joy.
Team 842 President
Maria Castro