I got my first taste of FRC when I was a child: as a member of Girl Scouts, I attended Team 341’s Girls in Gear® program. I got the chance to drive Miss Daisy, and I loved it. This inspired in me an interest in robotics which has stayed with me throughout elementary and middle school.
By the time I was in eighth grade, many of my friends could not stop talking about joining the robotics team the following year. I was again urged to join when I met a high school student who was a member of the team; she kindly answered all of my questions about the team and said that I would fit right in. Once high school started, I joined another demanding activity and, worried I would be unable to juggle both activities, I did not immediately join. However, just a few weeks later, I heard that Team 341 was still accepting applications; I thought “why not?” and was overjoyed when I was accepted. Little did I know that it would be one of the best choices I ever made.
At Ramp Riot XV, I volunteered to do field reset. As I watched matches, I noticed that even though there were a lot of different robot designs, many of them were able to accomplish the challenge. Wanting to help build similarly successful robots, I chose to join the mechanical and electrical sub-teams. I started off build season by cleaning the woodshop and observing older students, even fetching a tool or two. Even these minor activities have taught me a lot about building a robot: mentors and veterans showed me what they were working on, how the woodshop was organized, and how to use many different tools. I especially liked the drill press and the jigsaw, and now whenever someone needs these tools, I gladly offer to do the job for them!
The team has not just taught me about the build process, but has also brought me closer with other people. Classmates that I have known for years are now good friends of mine. At off-season competitions, I compared rookie experiences with students from other teams. Alumni who have come back to mentor inspire me to continue my involvement with robotics after I graduate.
So far, I have had an amazing time on Team 341, and I am sure that my next four years on the team will be just as great. See you on the battlefield!
