When my son joined Team 980 in 2013 as a shy 13-year-old, I had no idea what the next 13 YEARS! would bring! Or how my life would change. To say that FRC is “more than robots” is cliche, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. It’s also not just relevant for the students.
Yes, I came to understand just how valuable FIRST and the FRC program are for young people, whether or not they are planning on pursuing engineering. Yes, I made tremendous friends and joined a community founded on hard work, challenges and fun. Yes, I (I hope) helped shape young peoples’ lives and futures. But what surprised me the most was that yes, I also grew as an individual and team member, learning skills that I have taken with me to the rest of my life.
Well, that rest of my life is starting now. My son and I are leaving Los Angeles and the day to day mentoring of Team 980, but I remain a ThunderBot at heart and Thunderstruck will also get me going.
Thank you, good luck and also strive to Walk Like Woody.
Robin Dorfman