by Lauren Williams, FRC Torbotics 2080 Alumni FRC mentor and FLL Coach 

In the fast-paced world of robotics, resilience is more than just a buzzword; it's a skill that can make the difference between success and failure. Nowhere is this truer than in the realm of FIRST Robotics, a globally recognized program that challenges young minds to design, build, and compete with robots. Beyond the nuts and bolts, FIRST Robotics instills resilience in its participants, equipping them with valuable life skills that extend far beyond the competition arena.

In this blog post, we'll explore how FIRST Robotics cultivates resilience and why this skill is crucial not just for robot builders, but for anyone navigating the challenges of the modern world.

• Facing Failure Head-On

Resilience is born from adversity, and in FIRST Robotics, failure is a given. Robots don't always behave as expected, designs may fall short, and matches can be lost. However, it's precisely these setbacks that offer some of the most valuable lessons. Participants learn to analyze what went wrong, adapt their strategies, and keep moving forward. This ability to face failure head-on and bounce back stronger is a hallmark of resilience.

• Teamwork and Collaboration

In FIRST Robotics, teams are composed of diverse individuals with a wide range of skills and backgrounds. This diversity can lead to disagreements and conflicts, but it also offers opportunities to develop resilience through teamwork and collaboration. Participants learn to navigate these differences, find common ground, and work together toward a shared goal. This skill is invaluable in both personal and professional life.

• Time Management and Adaptation

Building a robot in a limited time frame is a test of time management and adaptability. Participants must set priorities, allocate resources efficiently, and make quick decisions when unexpected challenges arise. These skills are not only vital in the competition but also in managing the demands of school, work, and life in general.

• Learning from Mentors

Mentors play a significant role in FIRST Robotics, providing guidance, expertise, and support. They often share their own experiences of resilience, helping participants understand that setbacks are part of the journey to success. Learning from mentors is a powerful way to develop resilience, as it provides real-life examples of how to overcome obstacles.

• Gracious Professionalism

The FIRST Robotics community promotes the concept of "gracious professionalism," which encourages respect, cooperation, and empathy even in the midst of competition. This emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play fosters resilience by teaching participants to handle both victory and defeat with grace and dignity.

FIRST Robotics is not just about building robots; it's about building resilient individuals who can thrive in a rapidly changing world. The skills learned through this program—facing failure, teamwork, time management, learning from mentors, and practicing gracious professionalism—are invaluable assets that extend far beyond the competition arena. So whether you're a student participating in FIRST Robotics or someone looking to develop resilience in your own life, remember that the lessons learned in the world of robotics can help you overcome challenges and reach new heights in all your endeavors.

In the world of FIRST Robotics, resilience is a defining trait of its students and alumni. The ability to face challenges head-on, adapt to unexpected setbacks, and keep pushing forward is at the core of what makes a successful robotics team. But of course it's not just about building robots; it's about building resilient individuals who carry these essential life skills with them beyond the competition arena.

We believe that every student who has participated in FIRST Robotics has a unique and inspiring story to tell about their journey of resilience. Your experiences, struggles, and triumphs can inspire and educate others in the FIRST community and beyond. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can share your story with us to create a compelling narrative of resilience in FIRST Robotics.

Why Share Your Story?

• Inspire Others: Your story can motivate and inspire current and future robotics enthusiasts who may be facing their own challenges. By sharing your experiences, you can show them that resilience is a skill that can be developed and that setbacks are a part of the journey.

• Build Connection: Sharing your story helps build a sense of community within the FIRST Robotics network. When you open up about your experiences, you connect with others who have faced similar challenges and can learn from each other.

• Celebrate Achievements: Your journey in FIRST Robotics is a testament to your hard work and determination. By sharing your story, you celebrate your achievements and the progress you've made, both personally and as part of a team.

How to Share Your Story with Us

• Write an Article: If you enjoy writing, work with us to create a blog post that highlights your journey in FIRST Robotics. Share your challenges, how you overcame them, and the valuable lessons you learned along the way.

• Participate in an Interview: If you prefer speaking, we can conduct an interview with you to capture your story. This allows for a more conversational and personal approach.

• Submit Photos: Sometimes, a series of images can tell a story just as efficiently as words. Share photos of your robotics journey with us, include captions that explain the significance of each image.

What to Include in Your Story

• Challenges: Describe the challenges and setbacks you faced during your time in FIRST Robotics. Be open about the difficulties you encountered, whether technical, personal, or team-related.

• Resilience: Explain how you and your team tackled these challenges. Highlight specific instances where your resilience was put to the test and how you persevered.

• Teamwork: Discuss the importance of teamwork in your robotics journey. How did you and your teammates support each other during tough times?

• Growth and Learning: Share the valuable lessons you gained from your experiences. How did these challenges help you grow as an individual and as a team member?

• Successes: Celebrate your successes and achievements. Whether it's a competition win, a successful robot design, or personal growth, don't forget to highlight your accomplishments.

Your story matters. It's a testament to the power of resilience and determination in FIRST Robotics. By sharing your experiences, you have the opportunity to inspire, connect, and celebrate the incredible journey that is FIRST Robotics.

We invite you to reach out to us and share your story. Together, we can create a compelling narrative of resilience that encourages others to embrace the challenges they face and keep striving for excellence in the world of FIRST Robotics.

Together we can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, one story of resilience at a time. Share your story with us, and let's make a difference together!

by Laney Saragusa, FRC Torbotics 2080 Member and FRC Dean's List Semi-Finalist

The  #ResilienceinFirst campaign, started by FRC team 2080 in 2021,  focuses on stimulating growth from obstacles within FIRST robotics teams. Recently, we reached out to team 1481, the Riveters from Farmington, Michigan. This polka-dot-dressed team is predominantly female and based at a Michigan High School. Our Resilience in FIRST advocates met with them over Zoom to discuss the team's challenges and how they overcame them as a team. The Riveters have an impressive history in FIRST robotics, being the winners of three competitions and recipients of the then Chairman’s award, now Impact. 

When asked about their challenges within the past few seasons, the members noticed a dip in team participation due to COVID and other factors. Specifically, they mentioned struggling with using CAD (Computer Aided Design) because there was limited expertise in the subject at the time. They overcame this by navigating through uncharted territory with mentors and peers. From then to the present, the CAD subgroup has quintupled in size, and the team can create more complicated things more efficiently. The Riveters try to stay encouraged over obstacles like these and continue to work toward their goals no matter how difficult they may seem. The group added that they foster a positive work environment during intense times by highlighting that failure and setbacks are okay. They describe an environment where the mentors set a goal for them to achieve, and the team works through it within their subgroups. When working with their peers, the members of Team 1481 encourage each other and work through their own and each other's mistakes. The team also revealed their strategy for reacting to unforeseen circumstances. Using the example of the 2022 season, where the team had primarily new members, they stated that starting from the top and relearning the basics helps them plan the route to smooth over new obstacles. They believe that discussing the basics of any scenario will help communication within the team, resolve confusion, and ultimately diffuse the new problem. However, the group stated that it took them a while to figure this out, and they came out of the 2022 season very discouraged. They worked to turn their last season into a lesson, so they made a set of rules that outlawed crucial mistakes and reminded the members of the team’s roots. This ultimately helped to restore confidence within the team and the members and resulted in a win for the 2023 season. When asked about the team's organization, the young ladies stated that it was composed of student-led designated groups focused on particular parts of the team.

Each subgroup has its unique name, such as FAD (Fabrication and Design), BAD (business and development), CAD (computer-aided design), PEP (programming, electronics, pneumatics), and SAD (Strategy and drive). Each member can be part of one or multiple subgroups within their team. Within these groups, they provide mentorship to new members and younger teams. One member recalled helping another team with their autonomous program at a competition, reflecting on her team’s struggles with programming and wanting to pay it forward. Additionally, team 1481 has helped shape their school’s attitude toward STEM by adding classes such as AP Computer Science and Intro to Engineering and their community’s attitude by showcasing their team at different local events. There is also no shortage of spirit within the team, celebrating both team and individual successes by going out for dinners and discussing their accomplishments. According to the members we interviewed, team ice cream stops are frequent and a group favorite. The team can attract members to their team by showing others that there is a space for everyone, even if they are not keen on working with math or science. 

Team 1481, The Riveters, conveys that to create success within a team, you must put in effort and try. “Our team mascot is Rosie the Riveter, so we always say we can do it!” said one team member. This inspiring team harbors the ability to be resilient in the face of challenges, and a sense of positivity radiated within the members' words. 

To follow The Riveters Story Check them out on Instagram, Facebook, and On their Website

by Avery Pritchard, FRC Torbotics 2080 Member 

As part of our #ResilienceinFIRST campaign, we had the privilege of interviewing Bek, a senior member of FTC Team 11444, Garnet Squadron. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, this team of eight members has a rich history of resilience and determination.

Founded eight years ago as an FRC team primarily composed of homeschooled students, Garnet Squadron transitioned to FTC after encountering a membership deficit due to waning interest. However, they emerged as a formidable force during the 2023-2024 CENTERSTAGE season.

In our interview, we spoke with Bek, the team captain and social media manager, who shared insights into their journey. As a 12th-grade veteran of FIRST Robotics, Bek has been part of two different FTC teams over five years. They explained that they switched teams due to burnout, almost quitting robotics altogether. However, finding a renewed passion with Garnet Squadron, Bek continued for three more years, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

In their role as social media manager, Bek highlighted the team's commitment to outreach. They described volunteering at various events, including FLL competitions, homeschooling conventions, and local STEM fests, which resulted in a significant increase in team membership.

Additionally, the team hosted leadership skill classes during the season kickoff, fostering growth and development among participants. Reflecting on their time with 11444 and FIRST, Bek emphasized the importance of the friendships forged within the team. They spoke of a sense of family and community, strengthened through activities like playing Minecraft together. Bek emphasized the value of teamwork in both virtual and robotic endeavors.

Regarding their future plans, Bek expressed uncertainty but mentioned aspirations to pursue mechanical engineering, work as a correctional officer, or contribute to FIRST in some capacity. However, one certainty is their desire to mentor or establish a team someday, continuing their commitment to fostering growth and resilience in others.

As we concluded the interview, Bek shared their team's motto, "Never settle for fine," imparted by their mentor. This mantra drives the team to continually strive for excellence, recognizing that there is always room for improvement and growth. With this ethos guiding them, Garnet Squadron embodies the resilience and determination championed by the #ResilienceinFIRST initiative.

In Bek's own words, "There’s always tomorrow, so why should we stop today?" This sentiment encapsulates the indomitable spirit of FIRST Robotics and the enduring resilience of its participants. Through shared experiences, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, teams like Garnet Squadron continue to inspire and empower others in the pursuit of their dreams.

To follow Garnet Squadron's story check them out on Instagram, Facebook, and On their Website