VEXing
user27742
Entry ID #: 319
Created: Sat, Feb 5, 2011 1:53 AM
VEX robotics means many things to me. When I first started VEX, I had already competed in First Lego League and Botball, and I thought I already learned teamwork and discipline, but competing in VEX required the most effort. It wasn’t my first robotics experience, but it is the best. When I first started VEX, I was in 7th grade. Three of my classmates and I were filling in for an 8th grade team. The robots were already built, and all we had to do was drive. When I first picked up the controller and started driving, I realized how fun VEX was, and that it was something I wanted to do. Being from a small island like Maui, VEX took us to the mainland. That year, we qualified for the VEX World Championship in Dallas, Texas. There, we met new people with similar interests, experienced new things, and had lots of fun. I never realized how big VEX was outside of Maui and Hawaii. This year, after building a new robot and testing it over and over, I realized how demanding VEX could be. Even after upgrading our robot, there is always something to improve. Working after school every day, on weekends, and even holidays, my team and I have finally come to where we are now. Even though there were times when it was so frustrating that building and programming seemed impossible, there were other moments of joy and celebration that completely make up for all the setbacks. Now our team is down to 3 members, but after all we have been through, I know that the three of us will be lifelong friends. In November 2010, our team, 803B, participated in the Mililani High School competition and qualified for this year’s 2011 Worlds Championship in Florida. After our team received the Tournament Champion’s award, I realized what VEX means to me. I realized that VEX is not only about teamwork, competing, and meeting new people. It is also about looking back at all the great things you have accomplished with your team throughout the year, and knowing that you can achieve your highest goals with perseverance and your own creativity. This is what VEX means to me.