If You Could Start Over With Your FIRST Experience...

[AcesJames]

I think if there was anything I could have changed, it would be my involvement in my freshman year. I did a lot of sitting around, and a lot of watching. I did end up on pit crew that year, just because I lurked around the pits so much. It did teach me a lot, but I think I could have learned even more, had I really dove into it and tried to explore, rather than just carefully observing.

As for the time past freshman year, I wouldn't change much at all, except for a few small things. I would have liked to have a larger impact on the way my team is run. For the past season and a half, I've been seeing such great examples of genius ideas from other teams on CD, and then bringing those ideas to my own team and asking why we couldn't do something similar. At this point, I'm now ready to take it one step further, and motivate my team to be the best we can be, and not follow and copy a team that I wish we were more like.

Finally, in going along with my previous point, I've almost made a habit out of saying more than doing. At the shop, or at competitions, I've been the one to push others along with words, rather than pushing forward with them in my actions, and physically doing the work with them. The old adage of "leading by example" is perfect here. I need to do much more of that in this coming season.

[demosthenes2k8]

I agree with a lot of what was stated by AcesJames-I'd definitely try to be more involved in freshman year, because I ended sitting behind the at-the-time software members and watching them. (I got revenge by pointing out errors before they compiled.) That even kinda happened sophomore year, although I was actually given tasks.

I would definitely take the opportunity to do it again, though, simply because FIRST has been such a huge part of my life and it's definitely changed me.

[JaneYoung]

Just a thought here - never underestimate the power of observation or quiet learning. It takes all sorts of skills and talents to run an efficient and successful team and what you pick up/observe/learn may not be used (to your knowledge) during the current season but can be applied at a later time. (There are some excellent threads in CD regarding what the meaning of success is if anyone is interested in searching and reading, btw.)

Great posts, people - well, except for the old one, Al.

Jane

[blayde5]

Originally Posted by ProgramLuke

I would have started earlier. Not joining as a freshman was the worst mistake I have ever made.

This is a big one for me too. I joined in 10th grade and joined the team's management the next year.

The extra year of experience would have definitely helped me while I was on management (in charge of the mechanical team) as I was still learning about mechanics this year while trying to lead the group.

Another one is not keeping up with my CAD modeling More practice is better!

[Enigma's puzzle]

If i could do it again, I would have pushed to start a Team when i was a Freshman instead of a Junior. Ohhh, the missed opportunities.

[Hawiian Cadder]

welllll. i designed the robot this year, and i didn't put much thought into how many screws to use, on previous robots there was a metal screw about every two inches, in some places on this years robot there was a screw ever 3/8 of an inch, almost 800 in all, nearly 10 LBS of fastening hard-wear.

[Dkt01]

I started in my sophomore year, which was probably my biggest regret. After joining the team I realized that this was probably the best thing I've ever done. Starting freshman year (or sooner if possible) would have been nice.

[hallk]

I would have started started earlier. That being said I wouldn't have given up so many of my other interests to over commit myself to robotics.

[dag0620]

1 regret

Instead of pushing so hard of getting involved in programming, I should of just let the other guy on our team do it all like he wanted and avoided the constant times we were at eachothers throat.. Instead I should of went to build team to increase my knowlege on working with tools. If i end up switching to build team, its going to be at a disadvangte not being heavily involved in that world.

[bladetech932]

I would do it over again the exact same way just so I could enjoy all the things I've done all over again! I have no regrets and loved every single minute!

[CENTURION]

I would have started my freshman year. As it is, I joined my senior year, so I only got to spend one awesome year with FIRST as a student.

[Jacob Paikoff]

The only things I would have changed would have posting more on CD and learning more about other team and the history of FIRST earlier on.

For the posting more: Almost every thread I read,which is tons, I formulate a opinion or response but rarely post them because I have always been a little worried about people thinking what I am saying is stupid, which normally they dont.

For the history: My freshman year I got to be down on the field with the pit crew for eliminations and we made it all the way to the division finals. At the time I thought it was cool and a lot of fun, but looking back it was lost on me how rare the opportunity was and I didnt completely understand.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Mechkrunch

Almost every thread I read,which is tons, I formulate a opinion or response but rarely post them because I have always been a little worried about people thinking what I am saying is stupid, which normally they dont.

There is another side to this. When you refrain from posting wisdom or thoughtful insights or knowledge, then the community loses the opportunity to be strengthened, fortified, enlightened, or thoughtful. When you take the time to post wisely, it helps you build tougher skills and deepen your self-confidence. Well-written and thought-provoking posts also strengthen the discussion and create/leave a valuable thread for others to read as they follow behind you.

Just a thought.
Jane

[Dragon Princess]

I would have made myself a more predominant member of the Mechanical team, instead of being pushed to the Electrical and Software side of the build team because I'm a girl.

Even some mentors on my team told me that I couldn't be on mechanical because of my gender, I've proved them wrong! They'll also be wrong when I get my pilots license as well, proved them they can't say what's a road block to what I want to do.

Without FIRST I would have never found my way into avionics.

[ttldomination]

Originally Posted by Dragon Princess

Even some mentors on my team told me that I couldn't be on mechanical because of my gender, I've proved them wrong!

Going off topic here, but what kind of sexist mentality were your leaders following?

- Sunny