Championship Disappointment

[coastertux]

Originally Posted by dangerousdave

Staying with other teams helps a lot I think, in keeping you more involved and in higher spirits but of course it takes great fund raising that our team is very fortunate to have!
Dave

I agree with that totally Dave! Although I have never been to Atlanta, it was a totally different experience this year going to Philly and commuting with my team than going to Annapolis and staying in a hotel. I had a great time at both regionals, but I must say I had a better time staying over and not commuting.

[laurenlacy]

I think that the championship is what you make of it... this was our teams rookie year, and so our first year at the championship, and I was a little dissappointed at first--it seemed really big and impersonal

After I moped about for a bit though, I realized how great it was. I mean 10,000 kids coming together in one place sharing this incredible experience? Thats pretty amazing. And I realized we all had something in common, and that it was only as impersonal as I made it.

I think part of it is getting out there and talking to other teams, getting to know people... Someone said it was a good idea to go around and talk to the people who were in the pits while the robots were out, and that is a great idea--I met so many people who stopped by when I was alone in the pit organizing, and you never know what you'll have in common.

The hotel is also a great way to meet people and make the experience seem more personal and close knit--through many looooong elevator rides I met so many people, and it was incredible... we shared our triumphs and frustrations, and I wouldn't say we got to know each other really well but enough so that when I was walking around at the championships there was always a friendly face, and most definitely not always from my team.

I think in the end, you have to make of the championship what you want it to be... if you aren't enjoying yourself, get out there, join one of the numerous frisbee or football games... go to a braves game with another team... show someone a random magic trick you know... there are all sorts of great people in FIRST, you just have to work a bit more at the championships to meet them.

just my $.02, I hope you all had as great of a time at championships as I did!

[Rickertsen2]

Originally Posted by dangerousdave

James Rickertsen said: I hope as the event progressed, your disappointment changed! Perhaps when your team was I believe, the first team from Georgia to win a division championship, it helped a little. Congratulations!

You being on a local ATL team as we are, did you commute or stay with other teams downtown? Staying with other teams helps a lot I think, in keeping you more involved and in higher spirits but of course it takes great fund raising that our team is very fortunate to have!

Our team has a fantastic time at regionals including the Peachtree, which we compete with James's team. The Championship event is obviously much larger than a regional event but we have a great time there too.

Dave

My disappointment did change. Btw it was great seeing yall at nats.

The second day, our spirits were much higher and we felt much more energized. We started to get to know the teams around us, and i think the opening ceremonies helped us feel more connected rather than just one lost in a crowd of many. The third day was absolutely Awesome. I never imagined we would end up a division champion. Even if we had not been though, i think the third day would still have been very awesome. I was really impressed with the magnitude of some of the speakers. I don't know why the first day didn't feel quite right, be sure enough we found our spirit. I must still day however that the nationals are quite different than regionals. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I like the small sense of community at regionals. They have a sort of humble familiarity. You get to see all the annual teams once again and meet their new robots. You get to watch your friends suceed and you know the venue well. The nationals on the other hand are cool too. All the teams you hear and read about are there. People from CD are there too. Unfortunately i couldn't make it to the webhug but ran into quite a few of you her and there. With all the high power speakers and media, there was a sense of being part of something big. I don't know if it was just because we were an Atlanta team but we ended up on Good Morning America, CNN, the AJC, and i am told FOX. I was amazed at how much of the dome FIRST occupied as well. The nationals are HUGE!

Its been fun guys. I hope everyone else enjoyed this first season at both regionals and nationals a much as i did. While part of me feel a little burnt out of FIRST, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned and experienced ALOT.

Btw, Circuit Runners, it was great seeing yall at nats. We did not stay in a hotel. Most of the team stayed at my house and we rode MARTA.