Dear FRC community,
My name is Ben Trout, and I am the Safety and Excellence Captain for Team 4499. While many teams were amazed when a three year team won Chairman’s, we were just as astounded last year. We were certainly even more thrilled to hear our number announced for the Chairman’s award once again this past year. Many have asked how we did it, and we are more than happy to share what knowledge and experienced we have gained.
First, be unique. Young teams may not have the statistics, the outreach, the numbers needed to bolster their chairman’s resume, but what we can do, is stand out. Everyone will toss numbers around, but new ideas that are creative and innovative allow your team to shine. While numbers are always impressive, personal stories, actual events, and concrete pictures can go a long way.
Second, not everything has to be robots: volunteer! We have done a ton of things that aren’t necessarily focused on STEM, but they are ways in which we can reach out to our community and help out. This can also have a big impact on how welcoming your community is to robotics since they see the good heart and willing intentions that FIRST instils into its teams.
Third, it is all how you portray the work your team has done. Getting a team that is dedicated to crafting a well rounded picture of what your team has accomplished is essential. I would highly recommend seeking out talented writers in your schools, outgoing thinkers you may know, and creative people full of new ideas.
Fourth, take some risks. As new teams, we don’t have a lot on the line as we’re not expected to win. This gives us room to go outside of conventionality and try new things. You will never know till you try it, and maybe your idea will rub the judges the other way, but at least you’ll know. I will say, leave the creativity for the presentation and interacting with judges. You can’t change a Chairman’s essay, but you can change a presentation between regionals.
Finally, commit what Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers put to heart. Last year they gave us the challenge to put as much energy into spreading the world of FIRST and STEM, especially in female groups and underprivileged pockets. We have stretched all of our mental and physical capacity as a team to reach out to Boys and Girls clubs, organizations that help those in need, and reach out to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience STEM.
I hope my five reflective points were helpful, and if you guys have any more questions I would love to share more of our experiences, strategies, and ideas. I only included a small bit of what we’ve done for the sake of time, but feel free to post more questions and or message me at [email protected].
Warm Regards,
Ben