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Unread 03-02-2005, 17:32
Ian W. Ian W. is offline
College? What?
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

That year is this year for me, I think.

I'm a freshman at WPI, and I will admit, the fact that the school is (rather heavily) involved in FIRST definitely helped in the choice (it was hardly a deciding factor, but something that I liked). This year though, I haven't really been involved. I'm doing a lot of work with the Chairmans Award and other various awards, but not robot design/production. There's no real reason I'm not, I'm taking easy classes, I have the time, I just don't have nearly the ridiculous amount of motivation I did last year as a high school senior. I do participate on the team though, so it's not like I've completely dropped out.

I think the reason I half gave up is because the past three years were hell in January and February. For the first time since 2002, I'm not sick, I'm not all stressed out (even after that Differential Equations test!), and I have to say, I do like it. I plan on getting more involved next year, but in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my half-off year, try to go to a few competitions and maybe Atlanta, and have fun.
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Unread 03-02-2005, 21:06
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

I have actually been tempted many times to sort of back away from FIRST this year; to just back out. I guess starting a team my freshman year was probably a little intense... But now, even in my moments of absolute despising this team, one of the kids will do something that reminds me why I did this. Our team is a family now, and I think that my new family will do a lot for holding me together in the next 3 years.

As to there being more out there to explore, I most certainly agree! I have gotten involved in a lot of random things as well as a really fun group pertaining to my major. (and yes, I am passing my classes with all the extracurriculars) I love college, but I also need to be a part of FIRST. I found out a long time ago that this is where I have the ability to fit in; it's where I found the confidence to find myself.
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Unread 03-02-2005, 21:34
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

That year was the my 3rd year in college...when I came up to RIT. I was still involved in the program and mentored a team and all but it wasn't the same. My first year I wasn't really treated like a mentor and my second year Michael and I were practically running a rookie team and then I came to RIT, became club president, and I was more involved in the college aspect of the club than the high school. This year is my first year completely away from a team, but that's because of senior design. I don't have the time to put into a tream this year. But, I think, my 3rd year on...every year I move a little farther and farther away from FIRST. I don't really think that I'm giving up on FIRST, I just think I might be moving on. I am graduating and I don't really know if I'll be involved with another team. But hey, you never know, maybe I'll work for a place that supports a team and I'll get to see yet another side of the program.
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Unread 03-02-2005, 22:40
Ian W. Ian W. is offline
College? What?
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

Hey Christina, you forgot to mention that you all but ran SBPLI for what, three years? I think that's a bit more than any of the rest of us can say we've done ;-).

Too bad you're not doing it this year again (if my memory serves me correctly) because I'm still going to be at SBPLI, granted with a new team.
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Unread 04-02-2005, 15:29
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian W.
Too bad you're not doing it this year again (if my memory serves me correctly) because I'm still going to be at SBPLI, granted with a new team.
Don't worry, Ian. They somehow got me to agree to be the Event Assistant this year, so you'll see me. Still not sure how...but, I always enjoyed doing it. Hopefully, spring quarter won't be so crazy so I won't midd tons of work. That's one thing though, I might not be on a team, but I can't seem to get away from Long Island.
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Unread 04-02-2005, 16:36
Ian W. Ian W. is offline
College? What?
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Christina
Don't worry, Ian. They somehow got me to agree to be the Event Assistant this year, so you'll see me. Still not sure how...but, I always enjoyed doing it. Hopefully, spring quarter won't be so crazy so I won't midd tons of work. That's one thing though, I might not be on a team, but I can't seem to get away from Long Island.
Haha, well maybe this year I'll help you out, payback from me for the past few years.
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Unread 04-02-2005, 22:38
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Re: College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

My transitional year was after sophomore year. Junior year I scaled back FIRST by about 90%. This was for several reasons:

- Team politics and the need to deal with high school parents was a distraction to my schoolwork and my goals. (although it was a good learning exercise to deal with difficult people)
- To encourage self-sustainability of my team, and reduce any reliance that the team had on myself (since I wouldn't be there forever). Also, to let other [younger] college students grow into the lead mentors for the team.
- To allow myself to move on and participate in a college-level autonomous robotics project... meet new people, new ideas, new philosophies, etc...

I *strongly* recommend college students to not get fixated on FIRST. It's great (seriously) to be involved with FIRST for a year or two while in college, but also realize that there's often tons of other opportunities you can take advantage of while in college. Why choose the same opportunity all four years?
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