Surviving Build Season

Kickoff is in 7 days, and you know what that means: your entire life will revolve around robotics for the next 6 weeks. If you’re a veteran, you can probably handle this without a hitch, but for newbies, it can be difficult and frustrating. Thankfully, this is FIRST, and we’re more than happy to help our own!

1. Let others help you! You’re on a team for a reason! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone was a rookie at some point.
2. Don’t fall behind in homework– It may seem difficult, but school always needs to come FIRST. Missing out a few hours of build time to study for an important test or ducking out early to do work on a project will be worth it in the end.
3. Be a pacifist, not an instigator. The people on your team are going to be around you constantly for the next 6 weeks. Sometimes, leaving the room quietly is better than starting an argument. Defend yourself and your beliefs but be reasonable. Some people will never change their views, and you can’t make them. Express disapproval, leave the room, inform a mentor, etc, but causing a fight will only stress you out.
4. Take care of yourself! Yes, you still need to shower! No, don’t only eat food that’s bad for you because it’s easier! Yes, you still need sleep! Don’t wreck your body. It isn’t worth it because you can’t give 100% to your team if you only have 50% energy! Try packing in healthy snacks or taking some power naps here and there if you find them hard to squeeze in.
5. Befriend your teammates! Being around the same people for 6 weeks nonstop doesn’t have to be a bad thing if you can find common interests with them! Build season is so much easier when you look forward to being there.
6. Don’t ignore everyone else in your life. You may feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, but friends and family outside of robotics have even less of an idea. Send them updates! This helps maintain relationships with other friends and make sure your family isn’t upset at how often you’re gone. Send photos of your robot, text a quick update on what you did today, or bring someone to the end of a build session if you can! Spread those ideas of FIRST!
7. Don’t overload yourself. If it starts to get overwhelming or you find yourself taking on too many tasks, take a step back. Look at everything you need to do and by when. Maybe a few projects need to be given to someone else. No shame in being human! Wearing yourself thin won’t help anyone.
8. Have fun, learn, and create memories. That’s what FIRST is all about in the end, right?

Whatever the game is this year, know that your team can accomplish anything with enough determination and elbow grease, but make sure to stay GP.

-Max C. 2197