What FRC means to me

Few people realize how much my robotics team means to me. Throughout the year, I dedicate on average more than an hour a day to robotics. Likewise, few people realize what an impact FIRST robotics makes on high schoolers across the world.

FIRST is an organization that runs several robotics competitions. The highest level competition is called First Robotics Competition (FRC). To FRC teams, the year is organized into "seasons" At the beginning of the calendar year, the "build season" begins when FIRST releases a challenge outlining a "game" that each team's robot will have to play. Teams have 6 weeks to design and build a robot that will compete with 5 other teams in 3 vs. 3 matches. At the end of these 6 weeks, the robot must be "bagged," and cannot be modified. During the "post-build season," teams have a few weeks to take a break before the competitions. Teams attend at least one regional competition, where they complete in qualification rounds before forming alliances and playing in elimination rounds. All three teams in the winning alliance at the end of the elimination rounds get to attend the FRC World competition in St. Louis. After 3 days of matches, 4 teams emerge out of multiple thousands of teams as the champions. Finally, after the competition season, the "off-season" begins, where teams focus on public relations, outreach, and fundraising.

For about two years, I have been a member of FRC team 4096, Ctrl-Z. Ctrl-Z is the only FRC in the Champaign-Urbana area. Our 30 (or so) members come from nearly a dozen schools in the area. During the off season, we meet 2 times a week. During the build season, we meet every day. We attend one regional competition per year, but we have unfortunately never qualified for worlds.

My robotics team means so much more to me than just another extracurricular. In just two year, I have learned so much. During the off-season, we learn how to work with large companies and how to seek sponsorships. We also learn how to speak to people and to increase public awareness of our team. Throughout the year, we learn how to use machines and tools. We learn how to work with pneumatics and electrical systems. We learn how to use Computer Aided Design for our 3-D modeling. During build season, we learn how to budget our time and money. Most of all, we simply gain experience building things. During the competition season, we learn how to strategize and cooperate with strangers. We learn to take advantage of other teams' strengths and weaknesses. I can definitely say robotics has helped me become a stronger and better developed individual.

Not only does robotics teach me countless life skills, it is also extremely fun. I always enjoy building things, but I think that the true team spirit is the most enjoyable aspect. After spending at least a dozen hours a week with my teammates for all six weeks of build season, I formed very close bonds with many of the members of my team. During competition, my teammates and I shared a team spirit much heartier than I have ever experienced in all of my time playing team sports. In addition, as one of the drivers, I formed very interesting relationships with the drivers of other teams. Your alliance partner may be one of your opponents the very next match, and this leads to some really complex emotions regarding other teams.

All in all, I am very proud to be a member of Champaign Urbana's only FRC team. It has by far been the most useful and fun extracurricular I have ever undertook. If I have inspired anyone to join, we are always looking for new members. I am absolutely psyched that build season is about to begin and I am looking forward to another great year.