Team Bonding

[Libby K]

I get that you're asking students to talk about how much of their team has that feeling, but I think it's important to note that a lot of that culture needs to come from the mentors. It's our job to make sure everyone is included, to maintain traditions, etc.

1923 is absolutely a family. Even with 100+ kids, we find time to have non-robot time, both with the entire team and in smaller subteam groups during build season. One of our silly traditions? It's always, always, always someone's birthday when we go out to dinner as a team. Whose? That's the mystery.

We're proud to be a family like that. We spend so many hours together that it's hard not to get that close. Mentors and students are there for each other not just for robotics. Our students help each other with their Eagle Scout projects, and with their individual goals at school or in their own lives. Our alumni stay connected to the team and to each other. Our mentors help both current students and alumni with college applications, letters of rec, or just general life advice.

We actively work at having a team culture where everyone is encouraged to be close. It takes a lot of effort with more students, but it's well worth it for the opportunities it provides us all.