by LCL student Rebecca Gatewood
Students join Lightning Robotics to learn and grow as well as prepare for their futures. Through Lightning Robotics, we learn much more than building, programming, financing, and community outreach. We learn communication, collaboration, time management, and so much more. There always seems to be something going on in the robotics room, aka the physics classroom. With guidance from our wonderful mentors, we spend hours after school building, testing, fixing, testing, and fixing again. We’ve learned valuable lessons and skills that will help our future as many of the team members are hoping to pursue STEM careers. Then we put our skills to the test by presenting and competing at tournaments. This program has provided knowledge and experience that goes beyond what we learn in class. Because of Lightning Robotics, we are better equipped for whatever career we may choose.
Three years ago, my sister Jessica and I had a meeting with Mr. Jobst about starting an FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) team. While the school previously had an engineering club, there weren’t many opportunities for kids to try out engineering in real world situations. Mr. Jobst was very enthusiastic about the program and we started planning right away. We were able to start two teams the next year. With no idea how to put together a robot (much less make it move!), our first season was underway. We spent the majority of the year learning how to do the basics. There was great rejoicing when the teams received funds, a pulley was properly attached, or a few lines of programming were sewn together. The first season was all about the little victories, and the only reason we were able reach those milestones was because of our devoted coaches. While we are a student started-and-run organization, our mentors (physics teacher Mrs.K, history teacher Mr.Pankow, and some dedicated parents) steer us in the right direction, and keep us from getting too distracted. Our first year finished off with one of our teams advancing to state. We were so excited and proud of our rookie season! Our program continues to grow and we are so excited to discover the adventures this wonderful program will take us on next.
Lightning Robotics is an FTC team. In this program, high school students must design, build, program, and operate robots. Teams also must manage finances, run fundraising events, and create a sustainable program that will stand the test of time. Students from all groups are brought together as we learn a plethora of skills and sometimes, random facts. Life on Lightning Robotics can get pretty crazy. There is so much we need to have prepared for our competitions. All of our team members have specialized roles on the team to fuel our productivity. Some students focus more on programming, others on building, outreach, or funds. We all have a place on the team based on our skills and interests. All in all, Lightning Robotics is an electrifying program that develops young, hardworking students into influential and innovative leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
