Clash of Objectives.

[Sunshine]

We do not pursue awards, we pursue greatness and the awards follow.

One of my students came up with the above verbiage a few years ago. It has stuck with my team ever since. We attempt to inspire all students to be the best they can be using the robot build season to accomplish those goals. The competition is just one part of the complex puzzle called FIRST but a very important one. As an example, we don't do year round outreach programs just because we want to be world champions. And truth be known, less than 1/2 of our students are involved with the actual building and driving of our bot. Yet close to 40 have been showing up 3 times a week for the last 14 weeks. Why? Because they are all inspired. So, like my students themselves, the answer is complex and not easily defined. They have all found unity, family and purpose through their FIRST experience. And they continue with their excitement because they are all going to the "world" championship. They are proud to tell parents and sponsors that they will be competing against teams from 10 different countries.

For me, as drive coach and founder of the team, I want to see them win because it prolongs the season and the experience. Because I know like all of you that it's the journey not the destination. And I want the journey to last forever. Because I know that as long as they all have that common goal they all learn and grow together. That is the essence of who we are and why we are here.

But rest assured, when you see us in St. Louis our immediate goal is to beat you, get to Einstein and be world winners. I'm not ashamed to say that. It's okay to want to get to the top. And in this case, get to the top of the world. My kids will never have that opportunity again once they leave. And yes, it is a little less inspirational to win a conference than to win a world title. Pursuing greatness has its benefits and being known as world champions is one of them.

For what it's worth, As a side note. My team has been very fortunate to win the world safety award at championship twice. I have heard conversations from students, parents, mentors and alumni that those recognitions will always mean more than a divisional award. Are they wrong? Nope. As I tried stating earlier, it's not a black and white easy answer. It's very complex just like our students. Wouldn't want it any other way.

We do not pursue awards, we pursue greatness and the awards follow.

[346CADmen]

Many opinions to be had regarding this subject. How your team runs and what success (as defined by your team) are driving forces for sure.
As a mentor, the inspiration issue, getting students interested in STEM is why I’m aboard. Besides I work with a great group and enjoy the program overall.
Yes I think the competition is a big part. It too motivates on many levels.
I do wonder for all who are interested in the one world champ theme if they would agree, you should make it by your play with your robot that year. If it’s all about the one world champion robot, why accept teams based on being good rookies or having won an award or being a HOF? If you want to determine the best robot only score should count right.

[Sunshine]

Originally Posted by 346CADmen

If it’s all about the one world champion robot, why accept teams based on being good rookies or having won an award or being a HOF? If you want to determine the best robot only score should count right.

Simple answer
For many there are important competitions going on both on and off the field. The list is long and includes world chairman award, for us it used to be world safety award etc etc etc. Recognition by your peers isn't a bad thing.

[346CADmen]

Originally Posted by Sunshine

Simple answer
For many there are important competitions going on both on and off the field. The list is long and includes world chairman award, for us it used to be world safety award etc etc etc. Recognition by your peers isn't a bad thing.

I think we are like minded here for the most part. The idea of THE World Championship is inspirational in many ways. Our team makeup sounds much like yours SUNSHINE.
And while I am hesitant to accept the change FIRST has put in place for some reasons, accept it I will. What would opinion be if the two championships were divided by those who are seeking recognition for their efforts toward FIRST goals (re AWARDS) and those competing only with the bot for this year’s game? Sorry a bit of pot stirring here, but it is an opinion and idea’s thread.

[SoulianPride]

I'd like to see the possibility of you CHOOSING which championship you go to. I feel like this would resolve the issue of wanting to meet other teams while giving teams with less-funding the ability to travel to closer events and allows for more teams to qualify for the Championships.

[philso]

Originally Posted by Sunshine

We do not pursue awards, we pursue greatness and the awards follow.

This works in life outside of FIRST too.