Mentor experience

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by wireties

I notice that direct FIRST experience seems more helpful to MEs than to EEs and CS types. We build robots with weight limits and for limited use - it is different than most of industry. Materials and construction techniques specific to FIRST robots are evolving, becoming more and more specialized.

Not what I was originally looking for here, but a marvelous crystallizing observation! Reading this clarifies one of the things that I really liked about Recycle Rush: It presented a really different problem than most years. In particular, by eliminating the need for bumpers (and reducing other stresses), it shifted the balance away from rugged construction towards speed and reliability. The GDC really did come up with a game that could get mecanums on Einstein - and win. I hope they continue to provide challenges that keep us from becoming too specialized. The more specialized FRC becomes, the more it subject it is to being viewed as an end in itself rather than a means to inspiration, recognition, and preparation of young people for an innovative career in STEM.