Build Season Week 1 POV

My first kick-off was one to remember! My favorite activity was the mock match, where some of the students had to pretend to be the robots on the field and some were human players giving the cargo and hatches to the “robots.” One of the challenges I had with the game, since I was a “robot,” was acting out realistic things the robot would do, and also taking into account the game rules. I asked mentors when I didn't understand a game rule and they clarified what I could and couldn't do during the match. My strategy for acting like an actual robot was to imagine that a person was telling me directions one by one.

Jade Lara ‘22 

One of my favorite parts of kick-off this year was when we started brainstorming and prototyping for the robot. I enjoy thinking of possible things the robot can do and knowing what we work on now may be used for the actual robot. One of the challenges I faced was the mock game in general because I was very confused with the game and how the scoring works and I wasn't sure what to do. In the first mock match, I played the human player and was able to watch what the other “robots” did so I could understand the game better. I also learned how to prototype larger ideas and turn something that was a thought in your head into reality.

Mia Levy ‘21 

During kick-off this year, I was facilitating different stations such as robot idea brainstorming and mock competitions, and helping out groups whenever and wherever necessary. It was a bit challenging to offer useful advice and suggestions for the countless brainstorming ideas, and wander around to help groups. However, the autonomy I had allowed me to learn to guide my teammates through prototyping and design thinking, as well as grow my leadership skills.

Mehal Sharma ‘19