A Wrench in the Works: Robotics During the Pandemic by Anna

A Wrench in the Works: Robotics During the Pandemic by Anna - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

The lab was a wonderful disaster. Tools, fasteners, and packing lists littered the precious table space. Busy team members rushed back and forth, fetching hex keys or drill bits, while the rest of us observed in happy anticipation. Our robot, Supernova, was preparing for load-in, ready to be taken to the pinnacle of any FRC robotics program: the FIRST Robotics Competition. Sophomore year, my first year on the team, and I was thrilled. Then I heard. The competition was canceled.

As the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down, Supernova remained in the disordered machine shop, collecting dust. Days became weeks, then months. My bubbling frustration cooled into disappointment. Though the team began weekly meetings on Zoom, I lost my motivation to attend. What was the point?
When I finally attended a meeting, I was surprised. Computer design and outreach projects were in the works. My teammates were genuinely happy to see me. I watched the leadership team strive to involve everyone, watched them think outside the Zoom box to plan ivy pulls and barbeques. It dawned on me that dwelling on missed opportunities was only causing me to miss out on new ones. My team needed me, and I them. So when the chance to join the leadership team opened, I filled out an application.

I was soon accepted. I resolved to embrace every opportunity and help others navigate their own trials. I signed up as a counselor for our all-virtual summer camp for kids, Summer of STEAM. I joined the effort to provide local businesses and schools with Personal Protective Equipment by sewing face masks and 3D-printing face shields.

In fall 2020, the prospects of a regular FRC competition were low. Saddened, but not discouraged, the leadership team committed to creating our very own virtual game, a bowling-themed challenge called Pandemic Pindown. We considered aspects of past FRC competitions and created a game manual and virtual field. Intrigued, students from a local team joined in, and the main event featured three unique robot designs.

Reflecting on the opportunities stolen from me by the pandemic hurts, even today. But a successful person learns to adapt, to acknowledge defeat and then move on. Modern technology has been an indispensable tool in that process. I am now a more flexible learner, confident leader, and collaborative problem-solver. I face the future with the gratifying certainty that I will persevere. I will progress. And, with the support of my team, I will prevail.