I joined robotics in my sophomore year with the notion of trying something new. I found a passion in math when I was small. I liked math to the point where I could do math problems for hours but I had no idea what applications math could lead to. One day, I asked myself, "What am I going to do when I grow up? What more can I do besides solving math problems made by other people?" That was when the idea of robotics popped into my mind.

My first year there was frustrating and confusing as I had a hard time balancing my time. There was a time when I was on the verge of giving up, but somewhere inside my heart, a part of me wanted to continue on with robotics. I was glad I didn't make that decision so hastily, for the next year, my perspective was totally transformed by a new array of experiences. I became more involved in VEX as well as FIRST. As the main robot-builder/mechanic of my VEX team, I learned about building robots more in depth. I also learned how to work with tools and machines as I continued my position on the FIRST mechanical team. Through robotics, I was able to work with my team members through cooperation and communication. There were moments of stress and frustration when my team and I couldn't figure out how things worked and moments of joy when we saw our robot coming together from scratch. But what's more valuable are the experiences and knowledge I've gained throughout the course of my participation in robotics.

Robotics showed me how powerful a pair of hands combined with a brain can be, how inventions and technology can benefit the world, and how people, when joined together, can make great things. Robotics let me taste the pride of workmanship and gracious professionalism. It plagued me with passion, enthusiasm, and wracked my brain with wild ideas. Sometimes, I found myself lost in lunatic thoughts and overwhelmed by my obsession with robots. Gradually, robotics became a home away from home for me. It was there that I found my pathway to becoming a mechanical engineer. It was there that I found a group of close friends that are like family to me. It was there that I found confidence toward my future.

Joining robotics has positively impacted my life. It showed me how appealing engineering can be. I was just so amazed to see how the robot was coming alive. In robotics, I also gained so much knowledge about the basics of engineering. Throughout the season, it taught me how to be patient, how to work together, and how to think critically. Furthermore, joining robotics gave me the opportunity to get to know some really "cool" people.

Now, robotics means more than just an extra-curricular activity to me. It has become my second home. Teammates have become my family. I love spending time at robotics with all my teammates and this year, I've continued to willingly give up my weekends and sleep to work at robotics!

Robotics has been a life changing experience. When I first joined, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. However, robotics really opened my eyes to the field of engineering. I became more fascinated by how machines work and how they are utilized in design. By joining the robotics team, I was able to get hands-on experience working with a robot. I learned about the mechanics of a robot and was able to see how it worked. Robotics is more than just building a robot, it demonstrates teamwork, collaboration, commitment, and dedication.

At first, I had no interest in engineering or robotics, but that was because I did not know what either really was. I always thought robotics was filled with a bunch of crazy people who don’t eat, sleep, or drink until their robot is complete and safe. They devote all of their time to a robot without purpose. Now I have become one of them, staying from early in the morning to late at night. This is a place I never want to leave. I now see the purpose - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. I was inspired by all those around me to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Just as I was inspired, I hope to inspire others.

Throughout the VEX and FIRST seasons, I have learned much more than I could have possibly imagined. This isn’t something where you just listen to others’ instructions. Everything that you do has to be thought out thoroughly and planned and you work from there to achieve your goal. Not everything is right at first (constant testing has to be done), but once it is completed you feel accomplished. Not only is it a great learning experience, it is fun. It is a place where you can spend time with friends and enjoy thinking outside of the box. I was someone who never cared about my future because it was a scary thought. I did not like to think of the failures that would come or obstacles that would be difficult to work out. Now I get excited imagining about the future that lies ahead for me.

During my freshman and year, I never really thought much of robotics. I was already in the band so I didn’t feel the need to get involved with some other program. The robotics team constantly demoed at various places and were sometimes mentioned in the news. The thought of joining the team crossed my mind several times during my sophomore year. That was the year Team 368 was champion at the Oregon Regional, finalists at the inaugural Hawaii Regional, finalists on the Curie field at the World Championship, and quarterfinalists at the Indiana Robotics Invitational. Team 368’s success, rather than attracting me, kept me from joining. I felt that my abilities weren’t up to par with the current team members and that I wouldn’t fit.

Like many of my peers, I began to think of a possible career. Besides band, I enjoyed my math and science classes over other classes. I scored 99, 99, 97 on the ASVAB which measured mathematical, scientific, and mechanical aptitude. I joined McKinley’s Engineering Academy and had fun in the classes. I also made a few friends from robotics who talked to me about the program. Although there was a level of intensity in robotics, I realized that it came from the dedication the members and the mentors had. Excited about making new friends and exploring a possible career, I joined the team.

Robotics has given me what no other organization at McKinley, or any other organization for that matter, has given me. It has given me a chance to explore and even develop a passion for engineering while in a friendly and nurturing environment. I’ve learned so much while participating in VEX and FIRST. I was able to improve my math and physics skills and actually use them in relevant applications. I learned how to operate machinery to create components. I witnessed and experienced first hand the process of finding solutions to problems. Now that I’m in my last year of high school, I am almost definitely going to pursue an education and career in engineering. I can’t wait to use the skills I’ve learned from robotics in college and in life.

The most valuable things I learned in robotics, though, were the life lessons and teamwork skills. Because we are constantly working in groups, we learn how to listen to each other, voice our thoughts, open our minds, work with each other, and respect each other. In a world where something as simple as respect is growing scarce, Team 368 is a beacon of hope. If you look at the student population at McKinley, you’ll find that the nicest people are on the robotics team. I am and have been in several organizations at McKinley and I can tell you that there is no other program that comes close to having the camaraderie you’ll find in Team 368.