First Vlog/Blog Question

Hey guys, Qurat here!

I think it's time for our first question for the members' blogs.

And the question is, drum roll please...

Why did you join robotics? Who convinced you to join? What would you say to other people about joining robotics?

I know it's a simple question that gets asked again and again, but I think it's fitting because Club Fair is next week. For those who don't know, Club Fair at Bronx Science is when all of the clubs set up booths so that freshmen (and sophomores) can find out about and apply for clubs. Since there are over 50 clubs at our school, clubs sometimes have to go to the make themselves known to stand out from the rest. For instance, the Break-Dancing Club always holds a competition, the Cooking Club hands out food, and Robotics always showcase its robots (of course).

Pictures of the Club Fair will be posted next week!

Reply to the Team Question by Leena Chan:

I guess my conscience told me to join robotics. I've always been a geek, I spend my spare time solving puzzles (Sudoku/Word Jumbles/Ken-ken) or catching up on my monthly issue of Popular Science. I don't generally watch TV, but when I do, I flip to the Discovery Channel. The thought of building robots was just so exciting! In my freshman year, I recall hearing from my mom that our school had a robotics team and I literally squealed in anticipation. I couldn't wait to find out some more information and become part of the team. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend club fair and couldn't find out information around the school after that. During my sophomore year, I had not forgotten my longing to be with the team. I went to club fair, grabbed a flyer, and went to the introductory meeting. I was apprehensive at first because no one I knew wanted to come to the meeting with me, so I attended it alone, to my surprise, I quickly found my place in robotics. I was immediately hooked after kickoff. Dean Kamen is the person who sealed me into my position here. His words shook me to the core, my eyes were opened and I look at everything differently now. (I rewatched his speech multiple times and eventually transcribed a part of it, I think I'll post it up here sometime :D)

Though robotics is a lot of work, I don't think I could ever find anything else to replace it. It teaches dedication and passion, something I feel I lacked before I joined the team. Everyone is so amazing, in robotics you find a certain selection of people who are easy to bond with. If you don't immediately, then the time you spend with them will force you to. They really become your family and in a school like Bronx Science, that's something that everyone needs. We go beyond friends, having eaten, slept, and argued with one another. The bonds that you make here will never be forgotten.

So, if you think that you can't use power tools but are mildly interested in joining our team, come visit us anyway! We're much more than drills, hammers, and lathes. F.I.R.S.T. allows people to develop any skill they want to, whether it be public relations, website design, or financial advising. If you want to contribute to the team, you can! Come see us and we'll help you learn everything you want to.