When people ask me about the preparations I'm making for my future, the conversation generally goes something like this:
"So you're in robotics?"
"Yup. It's really going to help me set up my future."
"You want to be an engineer?"
"Oh, haha, no."
"Oh, a doctor?"
"God, no."
"Computer designer, or something?"
"No, actually, I want to be a writer."
"...."
Yes, I want to be an author. Not of textbooks or manuals, either. I want to write fantasy novels, teen fiction, volumes of poetry and maybe even a children's book or two so I can have fun drawing my own illustrations. So why am I in robotics?
I could list a bunch of reasons why I'm in robotics. Number one: I enjoy it. People don't realize that in order to want to join a robotics team, you have to at least enjoy doing things that you would do in the shop. I like to work with my hands; I like to take measurements, saw aluminum, drill holes, all to put together a chassis that I can then hook up a gear box to. I realized I liked to do this in my tech ed. class in junior high. I am a creative and academic student, though, so I was, by default, placed in programs that would lead me to a desk job, not a trade. Instead of auto classes, I had geometry honors and in place of technical drawing, I had AP global studies.
I really just wanted a place where I could feel useful. A club that would let me build things, create things and make friends in the process. Robotics gives me that opportunity. I do so much in this club and even though I joined as a mechanic, I found that the promotions group within the team is also a good place for me. Who knew a robotics team would need writers? I'm sure you all know that if you want to enter for certain awards, essays are necessary. Who better to write them than the person who hopes to one day be on the New York Times Bestseller's List?
I feel a strong sense of belonging on this team. I never feel like I can't do something because I'm a girl or because, the guys could do it better. I'm never afraid to pick up a drill or plug in the sawzall and get to work next to all the guys. I find, most of the time, I know more than they do. :D
There's more reasons, like the people and the events. I am running out of time, though, so I can't elaborate. :P What it comes down to is that robotics really does have a place for everyone. The art on the robot is all done by myself, I help write and edit essays, I make invitations to our events, I decorate banners, I grease sprockets, I build the wheel tracks. I do what I love and I love what I do. Writer--someday, FIRST member--always.
**"to which then, I can hook up a gear box."
" I never feel like I can't do something because I'm a girl or because, the guys could do it better. I'm never afraid to pick up a drill or plug in the sawzall and get to work next to all the guys. I find, most of the time, I know more than they do."
That's the spirit. I don't understand why female members of a robotic team often being asked to do stuff like cheering, scouting, administration, decorate....ect.
What's the point of joining a robotic team when you don't even touch the robot and knowing nothing about how to work it or how it works?
I completely agree with the above post. While I am the editor of my team's newsletter (by choice, as I am not at all interested in engineering), my female friends on the team have been very frustrated about the low level of involvement they've been allowed. Your mention of scouting really caught my eye, as that is all they did at last year's competition. They did it extremely well, but, again, it was very frustrating for them.
