Advice for Rookie You?

[HelloRobot]

Okay, I have 2 thoughts on this:

As someone who participated in FRC for all 4 years of high school:
-Don't feel discouraged if you feel like you're not being included, especially during your first 1-2 years on the team. It's perfectly normal. With hard work and a positive attitude, you will be noticed and included.
-Go to stuff - meetings, outreach events, fund-raisers, build sessions, any team activity! You'll get to know your teammates better, and it's a great way to get more involved and stand out.
-I'm pretty sure this is a given, but always show respect for adults and leaders on your team. Follow their rules, listen to them when they are talking, and just be a good citizen.
-To get involved, become someone's (who is more experienced than you) "shadow." Start by asking if they can teach you how to [whatever they're working on]. Then, hang around. You may make a friend, gain experience, and be their replacement on the team after they graduate.
-Robotics is about what YOU make of it. Robotics can be the best thing you do for yourself.
-Sometimes, you will have to work without your besties, and that is okay.
-Put yourself "out there" and try new things. Does your team lack someone with CAD skills? Learn it! Does your team need some help fund-raising? Take initiative and help them out!
-Apply for FRC scholarships!
-Last but not least, SCHOOL COMES FIRST. Don't let your GPA slip because of Build Season. Plus, it may make robotics look bad to a teacher if suddenly all the robotics people let their grades fall in a certain class (true story). If you're highly involved in robotics, remember to balance robotics time with study time. I would also advise against taking the ACT or SAT during busy robotics times.

From a leadership perspective:
-Again, be present and be involved in team activities, especially if you are on a small team. Even if you're not at the center of the action, this shows your commitment and dedication to the team, which is looked upon positively in the eyes of a leader.
-Be your own person. Don't just be there because your friend or "bae" is. You both should be able to work independently and be productive.
-Once again, put yourself out there! It can be disheartening for a captain to see a lack of participation. It relieves some of our stress to know that others want to help us.

Robotics is wonderful, and I hope you enjoy your first year! Enjoy yourself, and the experience will be rewarding.