How has robotics affected you?

[buddyb]

How has robotics changed my life? Well, I certainly wouldn't be here at past midnight, one hour after getting home from robotics, if I wasn't in robotics.

Seriously, though, it's helped me become much more of a team player (six weeks to build, program, design, etc. a robot. Definitely not a 'solo' project) and really advanced my programming skills. A year and a half ago (pre-robotics), my programming level was about at the 'Arrays are awesome! And Java is fun!' point. Now, pointers and the astounding number of ways to abuse the 'const' keyword in C++ don't confuse me (too much. XD).

Also, I really enjoy helping others learn and grow and succeed now, whereas before robotics, I really could care less.

Overall, it's been a largely positive impact on my life. Of course, my bed dislikes being alone for more than 18 hours each day during FRC, but somehow I think it'll get over it.