I have been on the McKinley Robotics Team for three years. I joined because my friends told me how fun robotics could be while also teaching you a lot about engineering. I have participated in both the VEX and FIRST competitions. Building the robots may take a lot of effort, but it is fun to work with other team members and I feel like the robotics team is my second family. Everyone is friendly, talented, and very cool. I am so lucky to be able to hang out with these people and be on the team because they don’t mind that I am an English as a Second Language student.
When I reflect on the three years I have been on the robotics team, I find that robotics has helped me to improve in different areas, especially in my ability to speak English. I am a timid student and am often afraid to communicate in English with my classmates. Robotics gave me a chance to practice speaking English. Other members have been very patient with me and have explained the meanings of many words to me. Also, since I have joined the robotics team, I have gained self-value and self-confidence. I am glad to be able to help to build robots, even if it is just a small task.
Being on the McKinley Robotics Team has enabled me to gain more knowledge about my future career. It has also been a positive influence in my life. I have learned what teamwork is - how to work as a team and how to communicate with others. The things I have learned in robotics are not things I can learn in class. These are some of the many ways robotics has changed my life.