FIRST learned lessons 2015 edition

[ShotgunNinja]

I've learned so much from FIRST it's hard to pick something specific.

• Take pride in your work. It makes your work a lot more fun.
• Don't forget to talk to people! Communication is one of the most important aspects of successful teamwork.
• If you could have done something to prevent it, then it's your fault. Take responsibility.
• Don't beat yourself up just because the pressure's mounting and the dang thing won't work. Breathe, relax, focus.
• Question your assumptions, but always have a battle plan and a backup.
• You are not your team; everyone has an important role to play.
• Never worry that you're not smart enough; only worry that you haven't worked your hardest or tried your best.
• Success can happen to anyone if they're willing to work for it.
• Sometimes, you have to step away and just play some Xbox.
• You only have six weeks. Set achievable goals and surpass them.
• There's always Thursday at the event...
• Test your code and your assumptions.
• Help others learn; don't be the only one to possess specific knowledge. You might find you end up learning more from those you teach than they learn from you.
• Winning isn't everything. I've seen a World Championship team lose their primary source of funding because of the relentless pressure of a single mentor on students that weren't willing to commit. Don't lose sight of what FIRST is about.