College FIRSTers: What was your transitional year?

[Ian W.]

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.