Collegiate FIRST competition

[BJC]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Took no offense, and I totally agree with you. In college other programs WILL appeal to me. I know this because I signed up for the Robotics team after watching the Nova documentary on the DARPA Grand Challenge. I was partially disappointed with the FRC experience, not saying that it was not fun or anything, but I guess I did not push my self last year. I came in expecting either fully autonomous robots or something like battle bots. Never expected a seemingly random game with lots of different elements put together. At the end, it just seemed like an advanced RC machine. I'm not complaining, but it is forcing me to get out of my comfort zone. FRC just felt like tee ball than baseball. It was so restricted.

Seriously though, I would LOVE to participate in the Grand Challenges. Just the thought of it excites me.

I'm sorry you feel that way about FIRST. I've played multible sports and have found FRC the most enjoyable extra curricular I've ever done. (probably a good thing sense I'm not about to go pro in any sports.)

Back on topic however, as a Junior and possible competitor of this college level FIRST I would have to say that I would probably would not perticipate. Too much of one thing isn't good, even FIRST. After 4 years of FIRST in high school, I think 4 more in college (persumably) would be a tad bit much. I would much prefer to go through college getting a degree (and hopefully a job.) Only after that I would then go back and consider being a mentor.

In the end though, I have a feeling it'll be successful. It's sort of like back in the day when people weren't sure about having robots on alliances with each other. In the end everything will work it's way out.