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Unread 09-02-2006, 10:35
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Taylor Taylor is offline
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FRC #3487 (Red Pride Robotics)
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Re: For Mentors Only: Inspiring Youth

It is a delicate balancing act - when do we allow the students to try something we know will fail, but the experience will make them better. Especially this close to the end of the build, we as mentors are taking a more aggressive approach to putting forth our ideas. Not because of ego, not because of pride, but because time is an (the) issue and, at this point, our greatest foe.
I am in a unique position in that I am sponsoring a second-year team, but this is my first year with FIRST. I was able to attend the IRI in 2005, so I have a taste of what a FIRST competition is. However, as a teacher new to the school system and new to the programs, my knowledge of robotics is rather limited, so I try to apply common sense as a problem solver as I can. I know that I have learned ten times more from the students as they have from me. But the one thing I do believe I understand is the FIRST philosophy - gracious professionalism, co-opetition, celebrations of group successes and failures ("failures are a great thing, especially when they happen early" - Andy Baker), etc.
Before the school year started, I sat down with the returning team members and asked what they wanted out of this year. Their #1 concern was that the 2005 robot was completely student-designed and student-built, and they'd like that to continue. We as mentors are exactly that - the proverbial "guide to the side" rather than "sage on the stage". We must understand that FIRST is about recognizing innovations in science and technology from the youth. We've had our glory days, now it's our opportunity to pass on the values, virtues, and legacies on to the next generation of problem solvers. I think that some of the ego issues come about when individuals lose sight of the fact that FIRST teams are exactly that - teams. As I peruse CD forums, there are countless references to team 71 in 1999 or 230 in 2002 or 45 in 1776. I have yet to come across anything that said "remember that one blonde kid from 234 in 2000 and how great his design was?"
The purpose of FIRST is not to win awards or championships or become a hall-of-fame team. These are fringe benefits to a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and fun environment. Life's a journey, not a destination.
I want to add that I am cognizant of the fact that I am a newcomer to FIRST, that I undoubtedly do not and cannot see all that FIRST is, was, should be or will become, and in the grand scheme, my opinion is negligible. But I do know that I have the charge of growing a young team into one that is respected, well-liked, and successful (and hopefully has working robots). By sharing my thoughts with the CD community, I hope to gain a greater knowledge of my role, of FIRST as an institution, and feedback and friendships from trusted and renowned authorities on the subjects at hand.
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