What to do when the odds seem stacked against me?

[smurfgirl]

It sounds like you're very invested in FIRST and you really care about your team. Like any other life experience, FIRST comes with highs and lows. Since FIRST is so important to you, these ups and downs affect you even more, and it's easy to lose perspective and get really frustrated. That's not a sign that it's time to walk away, though. A lot of us have been there before. I remember some days from high school when I would come home from meetings and say that I was done with everything, and I was quitting forever. Four years later as I'm about to graduate college, I'm still here. Sometimes, there are moments that can be disappointing and frustrating and you'll want to tear your hair out... and that's okay; it comes with anything that's important to you that you make a big part of your life. Take a step back and look at the big picture, though. The majority of your time in FIRST, the parts that will stick with you for the rest of your life, are fun and inspiring and challenging and life-changing and all of the other things you hear people talk about. Try to focus on those moments.

However, it sounds like there are some issues you should try to address with your team. Choose your battles wisely - only pick one or two issues that are important to you to focus on. Explain yourself clearly and use data to support your thoughts/requests/concerns. Everyone should have the chance to make your voice heard, so hopefully your teammates and your mentors will listen to you. A team is made up of more than one person, so it is to be expected that your team won't always follow your ideas, but it is expected that they at least hear you out before making a decision.

Good luck!