With the robotics season nearing its end and the team having almost completed their robot after months of effort, excitement is building throughout the team as their hard work finally comes together. I spoke with Dev Malhotra, one of the team’s core members, to understand what it’s like to be on the robotics team, what they’ve accomplished this season, and why students from all grades should be interested in joining.
When I asked Dev to describe how the season has been thus far, he started by mentioning how “motivated, smart, and consistent” the group is. He followed that statement with optimism about the team’s future, specifically how they will perform over the remainder of the season and in future seasons. For Dev, the defining moment of the season to date is how many students in the club pushed to improve their attendance, and how, as a result, the construction of the robot has gone smoothly and quickly.
Next, I asked what Dev was most proud of about the robot’s construction. He replied that he is proud because the robot is “completely ours.” The team was able to get creative, put their heads together, and turn their ideas into a functioning robot of their own. Dev said the robot is made from “their own intuition for building and crafting.” He then added that it is a very impressive feat for such a young group.
I next asked Dev about how the team has grown throughout the season. He explained that many of the members were first-year team members and that many were unsure of their abilities at the start of the season. Still, with the help of the club’s mentors, Mrs. Monczka, Mr. Hoff, and Mr. Gordon, and club veterans, new members were able to take charge during the process and come together to build something great.
Next, I asked Dev about what he would say to those who argue that the team just builds robots. He disagrees, noting that robotics significantly enhances a
student’s skill set. He added how members of the club build upon the following skills: “project management, creativity, construction, programming, design, and communication.” There is a lot that goes into the process, and simply glossing over all that goes into the team is a minimization of the effort that goes into the season. Dev then added that robotics members will learn to be “team players.”
To everyone considering joining the robotics team, Dev explained that your skill level doesn’t matter and that there’s nothing to be worried about. He added that there are still roles that need to be filled and that club leaders and veterans will help guide new members. He ended the discussion by welcoming everyone to stop by the robotics club to observe, or to get hands-on and build! The robotics club is a friendly and welcoming environment, and a great way to make new friends, build upon your skills, and meet new peer-leaders and teachers.
