Pursuing robotics at the university level

[Doctor Gandalf]

First off, sorry for the late reply! I've been busy studying for IB exams, haven't had as much time as I'd like to respond

Eric: It's interesting to hear that your ME professors also taught mechatronics and electronics. You have a point about control systems, thanks! I'll have to keep that in mind while I'm talking to my advisers/professors.

Tim(?): That's a good point about treating it as a business. Plus, finding a career will be much easier after university if you already have experience leading and building a successful team!

I think I might be worried about getting everything exactly perfect the first time, you have a point there. My parents taught me to be incredibly careful when thinking about the future, but I agree that "getting it right" is going to be a long process for me. Plus, smart risk taking is fun!

You definitely have a point that even hated jobs teach you. Learning to wire is a job that I'll use long after FRC - plus everybody has to start somewhere

Oh, and thank you for being a part of a community that I can reach out too! Chief Delphi is a wonderful place and I'm thankful that I can get such wonderful advice from people who I never would have gotten a chance to meet otherwise.

This year really showed FIRST in its full splendor (at least for me). I've met so many great mentors, got to befriend some of the best teams I've seen on field, and found an opportunity to give back to the community. While I might not be able to reconnect with some people, I love the network that FIRST created.


Also of note, I've emailed one of the department heads at VCU (he's involved with the UAV competion, and mentioned when I met him in person that he had experience with robotics). Also, I've talked to my current math professor and shop teacher. In all, they've agreed with what you have both said here, along with a few specifics.

I think I'm best suited to go into mechanical (and starting up teams to better suit my goals), so as long as my adviser approves I think I'm set. Thanks so much for the help you guys, it really made me prioritise what I wanted out of college!