Bootcamp POVs

I enjoyed every single workshop I attended, but I especially enjoyed Arduino. Although I am proficient in Python, Arduino is coded in C/C++, and I liked being able to compare and contrast the two languages. Over these four days of bootcamp, I discovered that the Janksters face many challenges throughout the build season, similar to the ones I faced while competing in First Lego League. The aspect I struggled most with in Bootcamp is being able to identify which solutions of the many solutions available will be most efficient. Overall, I learned so much from the Janksters, Ms. Carrillo, Mr. Mulla, and even my fellow campers, and I am excited for the year of First Robotics Competition ahead with the Janksters.

Layla Qumsieh

Class of 2022

As one of the Bootcamp Directors, I enjoyed seeing how well everything came together and how the campers made new bonds and friendships with not only each other but with the Janksters too. Though Bootcamp ran pretty smoothly, there were a few challenges. One of them is that the majority of the Janksters helping out were Sophomores who didn't have as much teaching experience as the upperclassman, but with guidance from the mentors, Juniors, and Seniors that were there, I am proud that we Sophomores have blossomed into more responsible and knowledgeable leaders. For me personally, I had to do jobs that I considered menial and unpleasant, instead of the more fun jobs. Although, by doing them, I learned that grunt work was especially crucial to the success of Bootcamp, and even though it's hard, you just have to keep a positive attitude and put your 100% into everything that you do. I also realized that there's more to hosting an event that meets the eye, that leadership requires a lot of hard work, and that you don't need a title to be a leader.

Risha Shetty

Class of 2021

This was my third year at Boot Camp and my second year teaching workshops for it. This year, I led the Arduino workshop and the driving workshop. In the Arduino workshop, we taught the campers how to wire and code Arduinos to perform certain tasks, such as lighting up LEDs. In the driving workshop, we set up three of our robots (Chris, Kyle, and Lola) and taught the campers about them and how to drive them. My favorite part about Boot Camp was teaching the incoming freshmen in those workshops since it let me get to know them better and it gave me experience leading workshops.

Srija Ponna

Class of 2020