Last weekend, our robotics teams competed at the league championship. The experience was a valuable success. Every student walked away having learned something new—about problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance, and growth. Robotics truly is for everyone because it is about far more than just designing and building a robot. While engineering is an important part of the process, students also engage in outreach, documentation, marketing, collaboration, and creative design, all while developing real-world skills that extend well beyond the competition field.
Our team participates in the FIRST Tech Challenge because it emphasizes learning through a wide range of experiences. Students create a detailed portfolio to document their season, perform outreach at the elementaries and library, design and build a display to market their team, and participate in interviews with judges. They also collaborate with teams from other schools—often one match’s competition may be the next match’s alliance partner. Above all, FTC promotes Gracious Professionalism, teaching students to compete with integrity, respect, and cooperation. These are skills our team members will carry with them long after the season ends, making robotics an experience that truly prepares students for life beyond the classroom.