Life of a Robot-Bando

While they may not seem similar, playing an instrument in band and FIRST actually have a lot in common. Both band and robotics have very close-knit families that care about each other and these families overlap a lot. Many robotics kids are also band kids. In fact, many kids come to robotics meetings straight from after school jazz band. 

Because we spend so much time together, we are all very close and know how to have some serious fun. Whether it is singing our marching band music at the top of our lungs, doing our celebration dance routines at competitions, or practicing for Just Dance battles, band-robot kids know how to have a good time. 

Many of the bandos come and support our team at competitions and we watch videos of the robot in band class. From band camp, to competitions, to football games, Bandos and FIRST-ers stick together. Our memories and friendships will last forever.

Padawan

Drama Llamas

We all know it exists. Although it is avoided at all costs, throughout the course of high school it is undoubtedly inevitable. Drama. And I’m not talking Shakespeare or the adventures of Dorothy. I’m talking about girl-drama. You know, the gossip, the rumors, and excessive backstabbing that seems to be a developmental stage in the life of every girl. My fellow sufferers of this black plague of adolescence; do not fret. It is simply that: a stage. Soon enough, it will pass, but here are some of my thoughts that will help you through the stress, angst, and general perturbed-ness of high school relationships.

The key to surviving high school is simple, yet ultimately complex at the same time. My theory is that the sooner you find “your people,” the sooner you will enjoy the impending years of high school. Create some standards when searching for friends. Maybe it involves having similar extracurricular activities or interests. Maybe you need a companion or confidant. Think about what you look for in a friend, and try to emulate that in your own behavior. Also, for your own sake, remain reserved. It’s better to wait and find a true friend before spouting your life story to anyone with ears. You’re less likely to get hurt and more likely to make a great friend.

Now, my objective is to defame some common myths about high school. First of all, high school is most definitely NOT the best time of your life. It’s up there, but I can argue to the death that the Little Mermaid and bubble baths were ten times more fun than ACT prep. FIRST remains to be the only exception I’ve seen in my wise years. Unless you’re into multiple-choice, then by all means, eat your heart out. Next, I’d like to remind everyone that despite popular belief, the terms “Just saying” “No offense” “Literally” “Like, like, like, you know what I mean” and “If I was you” do not justify the impending insult. Really, it doesn’t shroud anything. It doesn’t even soften the blow, it just lets you know it’s coming. As a blanket statement, say what you mean. If you wouldn’t appreciate it being said to you or about you, it’s best that you don’t say it either.

Gossip. Asking someone not to tell anyone what you’re about to tell them is counterintuitive. Unless you’re speaking to the most pious, trustworthy person around, the rumor will spread. Somewhere in the teenage brain, we are hardwired to talk and spread gossip unintentionally. Most times, things just slip out. To keep everyone content, it’s generally better not to confide in someone unless you completely trust the person. Parents and other influential adults are a much better rant option. Bless their souls, they don’t know much about what’s going on, but they certainly do an exquisite job at nodding and pretending. To limit possible intercessions by those dear elders, start off by stating your intent with the rant. Everything is either a rant or a serious issue where you require their assistance. Any other distinction will confuse them.

Now we approach the meat of the matter. What do I do when I’m fighting with someone? Fear not, Padawan. Take a deep breath. It’s really not as big of a deal as you think it is at the moment. Look at the situation and create a plan of action. You have a few options. You can confront them, confide in someone, think of resolutions, apologize, or a combination of the above ideas. Chances are, you are either facing a clash of personalities or a simple misunderstanding. If it is the latter, talk it through as mature people. No hair grabbing or scratching is necessary. Words will do just fine. Remember, their feelings are just as important as yours, so remain respectful. Here comes our best buddy, Gracious Professionalism. Keep it with you at all times, and never leave home without it. It’ll help you out in any dilemna and save some friendships along the way.  Compromise and conversation will not only erase your issue, but also give you an escape from the perils of drama. The stickier situation arises with personality clashes. Analyze the situation and measure the severity of the difference. If you have an archenemy that pushes all of your buttons and grinds all of your gears, it may be better to give yourself some space. If you clash on one issue, use compromising techniques and grow as a person through this conflict. It will not kill you; therefore it will inherently make you stronger. A note on serious issues: get help if you need help. Mentors and adults are here to work as mediators to make your team as productive as possible. In the end, everyone has strengths and shortfalls. If you play to everyone’s strengths, your team will succeed despite slight turbulence along the way. No matter what, work together. A great team wins, loses, and grows together.

That’s as much on the matter as I care to say at the moment. Leave some requests and I’ll add some additional commentary on how drama can be resolved in a less dramatic manner, therefore ending the he-said she-said cycle once and for all! Alas, that seems like too big a feat for one person. Nevertheless, I will keep trying. Stay flawless, FIRST girls.

Love,

HappBee

33 Ways to Stay Focused on Homework during Build Season

1. Sheer Willpower
2. Banish your phone from where you do homework… or it’s existence altogether.
3. Become a hermit and make sure you’re alone for maximum focus-itude
4. Have everything you could possibly need close by so that you can’t be distracted.
5. Make a checklist of what you need to do.
6. Sheer Willpower
7. Set a personal goal to accomplish homework by a set time.
8. Reward yourself when you finish. (Ex: Rave, Mountain Dew, Internet memes)
9. Bribe yourself with an award for when you finish. If it works for toddlers, it’ll work for you.
10. Coffee is a miracle drink that enhances focus tenfold…you’ll need a bathroom nearby.
11. Sheer Willpower
12. Tea is a wondrous drink that enhances focus by a factor of 101
13. If you’re too tired, sleep. There is a point where productivity was SO three hours ago.
14. If you are up past 3:33, don’t sleep. It will make you more tired. Besides, sleep is for the WEAK. Or less-procrastinating…Jury’s still out on that one.
15. Resist the urge to visit the “gorgon” (the wondrous World Wide Web)
16. Exercise! Blood flow will wake you up and refresh your brain. Pushups and sit-ups work in cramped areas…five minutes of pain creates a whole lot of gain.
17. Take a break from a specific subject after about 30 minutes, switch gears and do other homework.
18. Instrumental music or other soothing music that you find relaxing.
19. Stay at a workplace, you’ll find you’re more productive than in a comfy place like your bed or a couch. Consistently do your homework in the same place so temptations are always at bay.
20. Don’t multitask, let’s not lie, you just want to watch TV, watching SpongeBob won’t help you with your biology homework.
21. Sheer Willpower
22. Remind yourself that your life will end if you don’t do this. (Bad grades=No robots=life over)
23. Remind yourself that you can sleep if you do this.
24. Encourage yourself by saying that you will get good grades and therefore be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities (FIRST!!) if you finish this.
25. Turn off the Internet if you don’t need it.
26. Sheer Willpower
27. For studying, record and listen to a study device, like vocabulary, during a break.
28. Think about how your team is depending on you to stay on the team by keeping your grades up.
29. Pace around for a bit to get your blood flowing.
30. Blow bubbles or do something childish to get creative and imaginative. Crayons are magical, especially in lab reports.
31. Sheer Willpower
32. If you desperately need sleep, attempt to transfer information to your brain through diffusion by sleeping on your textbook. (Studies notwithstanding)
33. Use your official Killer Bee antennae to stay focused through yellow and black awesomeness. If you don’t have antennae, ask a teammate for help!

~ GadgetGal and MagnetMan (Saving the pressured robotics kids, one blog at a time)

The Miracles of Time Management: IB and FIRST Robotics

Yes, I am on a FIRST Robotics team. Obviously. I am also lucky enough to be an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme candidate for 2013. For those of you who don’t know, the IB is an advanced class track, for which it is possible to obtain college credit, similar to AP. I have a full schedule of advanced classes, and advanced classes = homework. However, I miraculously seem to be surviving pretty well for now. You know, with schoolwork, FIRST, a myriad of other clubs (at least one a day), and a few hours of sleep and eating fit somewhere in the day. Maybe. If I’m lucky.

Okay, it’s not really that bad. I do have time to eat and sleep every day. My homework gets done. It’s really all about time management. I don’t have time to procrastinate. I usually try to get some homework done at lunch. Right after school gets out, I go to club meetings and/or do homework until the FIRST meeting. When I get home afterward, I retreat to the confines of my bedroom to again do homework. Many of the assignments I get are long-term, so that gives me more flexibility in deciding when to do what so that I can get all of my schoolwork done most efficiently (and correctly).

…This is really starting to sound like I have no life. But I do, I swear! I talk to friends in school, at meetings, and at home, sometime between homework assignments. We spend time together outside of organized activities mostly on the weekends.

Though I do get a lot of homework, and I am involved in many activities, I am living proof that it is possible to be in the IB, on a FIRST team, and still have a life. It’s just a matter of knowing yourself, knowing your limits (you don’t want to pass out from exhaustion in class, trust me), and knowing how to keep yourself focused.

~ GadgetGal

The Terrors of Travel: A St.Louis Story!

For all those traveling, you may find one thing in common; bus rides. Oh, yes. The joys of Ol’ Louie are preluded by a – in my case, 14 hour– bus ride. How fun, being cramped in a vehicle with a score of teenagers until the world ends. Then someone has to go to the bathroom, and you wish the world would end. Then a movie is pulled out, and World War XXXIII starts. When the movie is finally chosen, you miss the kid you used to babysit who watched Barbie and colored on your face. You try to fall asleep, but you got to the bus late and are stuck next to the stinky-kid who takes up half your seat. Your book loses all appeal. Your friends have fallen asleep. The mentors have fallen asleep. The stinky-kid is drooling near your shoulder. You flinch at the smell, because you know it really is contagious. The movie keeps playing. You begin to wonder if it’s worth it, and consider running away at the next rest stop. Then, like a wasp’s sting, a thought hits you and gets stuck in your head, aching, unable to be pulled out without being acknowledged. You could have avoided this. Carpool. It saves the earth, and saves you from stinky-kid solitude. Friends who drive together, sit together. Or you could just show up on time. You’re traveling to the national championship of FIRST robotics, you really should be excited enough to wake up. The early bird catches the choice seat.

Guard the bathroom. Do not use it, do not allow your friends to use it. Spread awareness. Do not let anyone use the bathroom. Set up monitoring shifts during the night to guard the bathroom from all would-be users. Install cameras so all perpetrators may be caught and brought to justice. Do not use the bus bathroom. Your mentors are not stupid, they planned time for rest stops. Don’t be stupid. Use the rest stops. Try to plan out what movies will be watched ahead of time. Don’t force the men to watch Chick Flics, and they won’t play their Macho Movies. Hopefully.

And do try to convert the stinky-kid to Hygenism. It’s a life-long program, but results show in the first day. Last of all, make sure your carry-ons are as small as possible. The less room taken by bags, the more room your team has to exist. And I’ll bet your team likes to exist. But even if you plan your trip accordingly, there are still a million ways for your bus ride to flop. Let’s face it, too much girl time with too many people is asking for drama; real or fake. But there’s nothing I can do about that, my fabulous female FIRSTers. The rest is up to you.

I’m Scoutette, Buzzing off.

Bee-ing a NewBee

Being a new Lady Bee can be pretty scary, especially if you’re a freshman at a new school. There are new teachers, new mentors, and new fellow students/teammates. It can be difficult at first to merge yourself into the new world you’ve found. Don’t fret. You’re not alone. There are many opportunities to initiate yourself as an official member of the robotics team you just joined.

First of all, it’s a good idea to find a fellow freshman that you can relate to. Chances are there’s another new member that feels just as lost and scared as you are. It may not help you get situated within the team itself, but you can feel a little more relaxed knowing that someone is just as confused as you are. By working together you two will eventually obtain your goal of being productive team members.

 Also, don’t be afraid to ask mentors or upperclassmen for advice. There’s a low possibility that they’ll attempt to bite you for talking to them. Don’t be afraid of bothering them by asking, “What’s this? What about that? What does this do?” It’s part of their job to pass down knowledge so that the team can continue to be successful after the other members graduate.

Don’t be afraid to even volunteer yourself. It’s okay to try something new; don’t feel that just because you don’t know anything about how to make what they need or about the program that they use that you won’t be able to learn it. You’re a freshman so you have plenty of time to practice and play around until you’re flawless.

So put yourself out there and try new things; being a freshman shouldn't limit you in a robotics team. It’ll be stressful at times but I assure you that it will worth it for all the fun you have.

Rika Bee

Buzziness from the Senior Queen Bee

For years, I’ve been almost completely surrounded by guys. Depending on your point of view, this can either be a very good thing or a very bad thing. I am the only senior girl on our team and I couldn’t be happier with our growing population of mini Queen Bees. For the first two years I was on the team, we had about five or six girls and we were obviously outnumbered. Last year we had 12 girls and this year we have a total of 18 girls and 21 guys. This gives us a unique point of view on problem solving as well as a plentiful supply of estrogen. We are getting more girls interested in science and technology but we also teach them how to have fun—Killer Bee style. Once you enter our CAD room through the portal to Narnia, you are immediately enchanted by the overwhelming sense of fabulousness in the room. When the room is holding a large number of our “Killer” girls (which is quite often) you’ll hear conversations about the Hunger Games—Team Peeta vs Gale, Chairman’s Award discussions, minions being assigned and claimed by upper classmen, and antennae making strategies being exchanged. This is all accompanied by a soundtrack of Disney music, the Jonas Brothers, and Jesse McCartney. The primary export of the CAD room is antennae. Soon after learning how to use the Red Menace and the sander in the shop, rookies are taught the fine art of antennae making, including using beads to make bee-utiful personalized antennae. But of course, our fantabulousness is not just contained in our workspace. We bring the buzz of the hive wherever we go, whether it be practicing our Celebration dance routine for Marching Band, sniping pictures of lax bros from afar, or taking over the hotel lobby to play Just Dance, our Queen Bees know how to get down.

<3 Emmabee

What Would MacGyver Pack?

There’s nothing like waking up to go to St. Louis.

There’s also nothing like waking up and realizing you haven’t packed. Don’t be the roommate who steals all their roomies stuff. Pack ahead of time and double check everything you’ve packed. For those without past trips, or those who just don’t remember what to bring, here are a few important things to remember. Hygiene products. Hygiene products. Hygiene products. Have a stick of deodorant with you at all times, you’ll need it. When sharing a hotel room, there’s not enough
free shampoo to go around. Bring your own. Don’t make me explain the need for a tooth brush. If you’re like me and your hair takes all day to dry, then bring a blow dryer. If you can’t live with your natural hair, then bring a straightener, curler, hairspray, gel, bacon grease, pixie dust, or whatever else you need with you. Having enough hair ties to supply the team is also not a bad idea.
Also, bring lots of feminine products. You may not need them yourself, and there are convenience stores in St. Louis, but it never hurts to be prepared.

Imagine you’re MacGyver as you pack; is there any possibility it will help, and will it fit in your bag? On this vein of sharing, stuff a few Band Aids in your purse or wallet. If you have something magical and unrealistic called ‘space,’ then try fitting some aspirin as well. There are some things duct tape can’t fix, and I like to imagine headaches and open wounds somewhere on that list.

Bring enough clothes for every day, including socks. I’m sure you’ve noticed their bad habit of running away, and being the only piece of clothing that truly stinks at the end of the day. Yet, they seem terribly overlooked while being packed. Please don’t overlook them. Bring all of your
team shirts as well. If you don’t wear them all, you can trade them. If you cannot sleep in day-clothes, bring your pajamas. In my personal experience I have found that I cannot sleep in day-clothes anywhere except St. Louis. Maybe you’re the opposite, so if there’s room, bring pajamas just in case. Shave before leaving. No roommate wants you hogging the bathroom and clogging the
drain. Don’t even bring shaving utensils to tempt yourself with. It’s not that long; you won’t turn into a gorilla.

I would suggest bringing a small book, just in case you have down time. There will only be time for homework on the bus, and really shouldn’t be time for more than a quick chapter anywhere else. If you find yourself with time to read War and Peace, strike up a conversation with a teammate. They are there for your entertainment. Other than that, use common sense. If you’re
a germophobe, then bring some wet wipes. If you’re allergic to sunlight, air, and peanuts, then bring an EpiPen. If you’re afraid of a zombie apocalypse, then roll up a magic carpet in the hidden bottom of your bag just in case – I hear they’re great for fast getaways. Anything else that you can’t live without, bring that too.But – my fabulous female FIRSTers – no matter what else
you may or may not remember to bring, never forget your Bee Pillow Pet.


I’m Scoutette, Buzzing off.

A World of FIRSTs

I just started dating my first boyfriend. Ready for this? He’s my FIRST boyfriend. Yes, I know. Facepalm. The pun police are after me, so I’ll keep it short.

I’m new to all this. Before my macho man, I never even had a serious crush. I’m well versed in admiring beauty and having guy friends – but what happens when it steps up? What does that even mean? Maybe you aren’t on the same below-novice level I’m on, but adapting to dating life is a problem for all girls.

What comes first, holding hands or hugging? So, it’s official now; do I act like we’re still just close friends, or stare him down with bedroom eyes? Do all our inside jokes from pre-dating life still
count? Am I allowed see him if I’m wearing sweats and have coffee breath? How do you go from friend to boyfriend without a hitch?

I haven’t figured it out yet, but when I find a secret to making life perfect, I promise you write you a full written report. Likewise, should you unravel this mystery, I expect simple step-by-step
instructions, with plenty of pictures. For now, all I can tell you is to do what feels right. Cheesy, but
think about it. We’re social creatures. We were made to form relationships; it’s in our most primitive biology. There has to be some primal coding that’s right. And if your autonomous mode runs into walls, there’s always tele-op time for you to straighten out.

Yes, the pun police have a special cell for me. I’m cornier than Maize Craze. Just don’t be afraid to ask for advice, and never be afraid of talking things out with him - or at him, if that’s your style. Whether it’s together or separate, figure things out. He shouldn’t blow up because you don’t know everything, and if he doesn’t know everything then you shouldn’t blow up either. There is a reason you’re dating him, right?

Hugs and kisses, my fabulous female FIRSTers.
I’m Scoutette, Buzzing off.

The Secret Water Game

I don’t know about you, but my life is pretty hectic. I write to you during the Christmas season, when life has decided to stop being predictable and everything seems to be piling up. Midterms start in a day, I’ve only brainstormed what to get for few of all the people I love, and all my extra activities are trying to cram all they can in before winter break. It feels like every time I try to work on something I just fall further down an icy sledding hill, backwards, and without a sled. I sit down to a pile of studying and bash my head against the wall. If I finish before I pass out, I might remember this thing called ‘showering.’ There’s no way I’m waking up early for it, and it’s too cold to go out with wet hair anyway.

Bite the bullet. Take the shower.

You and I both know that as soon as Robot Season starts, there will be days we walk around stinking. I know there will be days when I do the math wrong, don’t inhale enough coffee, and thus don’t make it to the shower. If you’re a girl who likes primping, I wish you the best of luck. I am under the firm belief that females with such time have either found secret Time Turners, grown a second pair of hands, or otherwise cheated life itself. For all those mere mortals, I’m with you. Perhaps we will also find our own Time Turners one day, or maybe next years game challenge will be toadd hours to the day – while underwater. In fact, you may consider this fight for hygiene the secret water game: can you build a robot, while keep clean?

Best of luck to all of you, my fabulous female FIRSTers.
I’m Scoutette, Buzzing off.

10 Things To Do When: You're trying to get you point across to a boy and they just won't listen.

1. STOP! Calm yourself down. If you aren’t able to calm yourself down and understand
your side of the argument then they will never understand it, either.

2. THINK! Think about how to convey your issue so it is more easily understood. Some
people learn better visual. Think of a picture or diagram that you can use to
explain your point.

3. SLOW! Slower is better than faster. By talking slowly and more fully explaining what
you mean, the other person will understand quicker. Ranting is incoherent and
won’t help your argument.

4. SERIOUS! Show the person that you’re serious about your argument. If it means a lot to
you, show that. If the person doesn’t take you seriously or can’t listen to you, try talking to someone else who can help explain your idea to others. A different perspective can always help.

5. AWARE! Make sure you’re aware of what’s going on. If the person you’re talking to is
doing something, wait until you have their complete attention.

6. FOOD! Everyone likes food. Bribery is rudimentary, but effective. This works on the
Killer Bees with tacos and Mountain Dew.

7. PERSIST! If at first you don’t succeed, try thirty-three more times, then try again.

8. ASK WHY! If after explaining your argument you still haven’t reached an agreement,
ask why. There’s always a reason, but some reasons aren’t as good as others.

9. CONFRONT! Confront the person as an equal. Everyone adopts a superior attitude sometimes.This shouldn’t be tolerated, but remember to stay poised and respectful.
Gracious Professionalism is a potent compromising technique. Just like Woodie
says, pretend that your grandma is watching!

10.  PERSEVERE! If they keep fighting and knocking down your ideas, don’t give up hope. At the same time, remember that FIRST is all about teamwork. Moving on does not constitute giving up. Keep looking for new and greater ideas as the season progresses.
-Battery Bee

Girls of FIRST

This blog is the work of FIRST Robotics Team 33, The
Killer Bees. As a very large team of forty kids with 18 girls and 22 boys, we
recognize that FIRST is full of learning opportunities for both genders. As
girls in FIRST, it is necessary to remain assertive and balanced. Girls are
part of the team too. This is a blog where girls of FIRST are encouraged to
share experiences, talk, and maybe learn a thing or two.  
Good Luck to you and your team this year!