Week 1 Build POVs
A few of our rookies share their excitement and thoughts about Build Season Week 1!
It was fun to be involved in the idea process and know that the ideas you came up with would be incorporated into the robot at the end of the 6 week build period. I liked talking to people and bouncing ideas off each other and getting guidance because it was a new experience for me. I’m excited for the design process and coming up with ideas to boost morale and team energy.
Sakshi ShrivastavaClass of 2020
Build season was really good. We came up with a bunch of different ideas for prototypes, but there were some pros and cons for each, so now we’re deciding what we’re gonna go with. We’re making a prototype that actually works and we’re going to see if we can pull this together. I’m excited to see if this gear-picking-up mechanism works.
KK KumarClass of 2020
It was interesting because I haven’t really done anything like this before, so it was interesting to see how everyone broke up into different groups, and everyone had different ideas, and at the end, we would have wrap-up, and we would all share each other’s ideas and we could give each other advice. Even though I’m not in chassis, I’m excited to see the main chassis. It’s harder to envision it when there’s nothing there now, but when everything’s put together, we can see how everything’s going to work.
Bella PadgetClass of 2020
End of Build Season
Nandana Suresh, a new rookie, talks about what she learned this build season.
My first build season as a part of Team 1967 was certainly an experience that I never would have had, hadn't I joined Robotics. As a part of the Programming Committee, one of the main things we had to do before starting to work on our code was to go talk to the other committees to get a sense of which components we needed to program. At first, this task seemed very daunting to me, as I am naturally a very shy person, but after a while, I noticed that talking to others seemed to get easier and easier. Now, it doesn't bother me at all to go talk to members of other committees, which is a rather large accomplishment for me. My favorite part of build season was Robot Reveal Night, because it was quite gratifying to see that all of our hard work hadn't been for nothing, and had resulted in a functional robot.
Nandana SureshClass of 2019
Week 5 of Build
Tiffany Ta and Emily Duh are looking forward to the final week, when we finish our robot and prepare for competition.
The team has been pushing to finish the robot during Week 5, finishing up all of the CAD and beginning to assemble the robot itself. As co-head of mechanical who is trying to balance both outreach work for Chairman's and robot work, it's been a pretty hectic week as I've been jumping around between working on award-related material and pushing my subgroup, the point-scoring mechanism, to finish everything on CAD and begin to put together the mechanism while keeping them on task. It's been great to see everyone step up more and really realize the fact that we have a lot of work to do, yet so little time to do it before both Robot Reveal Night and Bag and Tag. I'm really looking forward to seeing how our robot turns out during Week 6!
Tiffany TaClass of 2017
As a rookie marketer, I've been learning a lot. This week, we've finished making all of our buttons for competition. We've also finished making all of our team bows and are about halfway done with making our giveaways. The most fun part of being a part of the team has been writing thank-you cards to people who have helped the team. This past week, we held a little Valentine's Day event for our mentors. We 3D printed little keychains in the shape of a heart with gears to show our thanks for our mentors for working with us over the long weekend. I'm looking forward to attending my first robotics competition.
Emily DuhClass of 2019
Week 4 of Build
Ayusha Acharya and Anjali Kasula are excited about getting closer to a completed robot.
For week 4, my subgroup decided to tackle the designing and CADing of the robot cart. It was really fun and a knowledgeable experiment. Since our subgroup has many miscellaneous projects, it was hard to switch gears, but although it was a challenge, we have an amazing robot cart. And though it will be hard to put this project away for the time being, we will switch gears yet again, this time, onto good bumpers for the robot. Despite being tough, this week was exciting as we’re getting closer to our final robot.
Ayusha AcharyaClass of 2018
I am in the Field Elements group in the Mechanical Committee. This week, I have accomplished to learn more about the chop saw, filing, and using the drill. We have been working on the bumpers and the handles for the robot cart. For me the most fun thing for me during build season so far was to work with my wonderful team and all the other Janksters. I made many new friends by working with my team, and I have learned a lot more about life in robotics as well as school through veterans. I can’t wait to train the rookies next year!!
Anjali KasulaClass of 2019
Week 2 of Build
Katy talks about her experience as a rookie on the Scaling Committee.
Being a rookie at the same time as being involved in other activities makes the opening weeks of build season that much more hectic but also, so much more exciting. This past week marked the end of Week 2 of Build Season. Week 2 consisted of a lot of brainstorming and research. To make this process more efficient, my committee (mechanics) split into subgroups to tackle different components of the robot. I was assigned to the Scaling Subgroup to design a mechanism that can scale the tower in less than 15 seconds at the end of the match. My favorite part is seeing all these crazy ideas start to form something that is becoming more realistic. After much discussion and troubleshooting, we started finalizing factors like how actual mechanism will function, materials we will use, and solving any issues that we come across.
Kathryn McLaughlinClass of 2019
Week 3 of Build
Electronic and chassis share their views on this week's accomplishments
I am in mechanical and in the Chassis subgroup. I am also the Chassis subgroup leader. This week we have accomplished all of the gearboxes and the CAD is almost done, but had to have minor fixes. We got our metal and tonight (January 31) Mr. Mula would try to laserjet the metal. This week we also put in almost all of our order forms, so the parts should be coming in soon. The most fun part of build season would be building the gear boxes. I like the gear boxes because it gave my hands something to do. I also liked learning about what a two speed transmission gear box. I also really like playing with grease and with locktight. Training rookies are hard, but fun. I found it hard because sometimes I would not have a job for them and they would goof off and they sometimes don't listen to me. But it can be really fun because I got to bond with new people and with people that I would not normally hang out with. I also got to get to know how they work and how I can improve their perspective on robotics.
I am in the electronics committee and this week, my committee members and I have finished cadding the side board and and adding components on it. So far my favorite part of build season has been working on tasks with my committee form brainstorming to designing and cadding. Spending time and bonding with them makes build season a lot more fun. Additionally, training rookies is always an enjoyable experience as you can get to see how much you know and spread your knowledge to others.
Week 1 of Build
This week was not as fast paced as last week, but we still got a lot done!
Being a rookie at the same time as being involved in other activities makes the opening weeks of build season that much more hectic but also so much more exciting. This past week marked the end of Week 2 of Build Season, which consisted of a lot of brainstorming and research. To make this process more efficient, my committee (mechanical) split into subgroups to tackle different components of the robot. I was assigned to the Scaling Subgroup to design a mechanism that can scale the tower in less than 15 seconds at the end of the match. My favorite part is seeing all these crazy ideas start to form something that is becoming more realistic. After much discussion and troubleshooting, we started finalizing factors like how actual mechanism will function, materials we will use, and solving any issues that we come across.
Katie McLaughlinClass of 2019
This week was not as fast paced as last week, but we still got a lot done! This week my group and I (field elements) did much more CAD work, and we started working on the driver’s station! The new and updated driver’s station is much lighter and much more sleek than our last one. I’m excited to see what this upcoming week holds for field elements!!
Anya ThakurClass of 2017
Week 1 of Build
The start of build season has been quite tiring, awe inspiring, and very educational..
Since kickoff, the team has been busy trying to keep up with the previously set deadlines throughout the build season. We first analyzed the entirety of the game manual, created a strategy, went on to brainstorming, and then finally prototyping. So far, the prototyping (I was put on the boulder manipulation group) has been my favorite part of build season, even though there is so much more work ahead of us. As a veteran this year, I'm having fun helping my fellow rookies through the organized chaos that I had to go through last year, and I do hope they are enjoying build season as much as I am.
The start of build season has been quite tiring, awe inspiring, and very educational. My first brainstorm and chassis prototype group were super complex and detailed, and we had so much fun lamenting over how we were going to build this season's robot. In our groups we did some intricate math, rattled our brains, and took some hot chocolate breaks. Mentors pitched in their ideas and just like that, we solved problems and created new ones. We shared our ideas and solutions with the team and got great feedback and helpful suggestions. All in all, my first year in robotics is quite the adventure!
Kickoff
This year's kick-off was really exciting and interesting. First, we watched the game video which was super cool this year. This was my favorite part of the day because I think this is one of the most interesting games FIRST has ever designed. After we did that, we split into groups and read the game manual, which we then discussed as a large group. Finally, we brainstormed ideas about the possible things we wanted our robot to do. It was definitely a hectic day, but I had a lot of fun!
Sana ShrikantClass of 2017
As a rookie, kickoff was a very new experience. Despite having to wake up and work much earlier than I wanted to, it was just as exciting as the veterans made it out to be. After watching the livestream and anxiously waiting for the game to be announced, the video finally began. This was one of my favorite parts of the day, because it was exciting to see what we were going to be work on after much anticipation. After the game was announced, we had wasted no time splitting off into groups so we could go over sections of the game manual. And once we had gone over the whole game manual with each other the brainstorming finally began. By the end of the day, we ended up with a long list of great ideas that are going to contribute to the making of our robot.
Cynthia ChungClass of 2019
This was the first time I went to Kickoff at SJSU. It was super early, but everyone there was awake and ready to find out what this year's game would be. After finding out the game and being able to see the game pieces, we went back to ND to go over the game manual and brainstorm. Overall, Kickoff was so much fun, and the game this year seems like it going to be really interesting.
Hannah PatrignaniClass of 2018
Training Rookies
As I began my third year on this team I noticed many unfamiliar faces fill the small room I have always known as D107. I made my way through the crowd to find my friends to share my excitement, new students, FRESHMEN! I remember telling them that I couldn't wait to talk to all these new Janksters and get to know them better. At this moment I realized that I was one of those terrified, self-conscious freshmen just two years ago. I too sat alone in one of those desks, surrounded by people I had just met five minutes ago. Sadly, in that moment I had another realization, that it would take time for these freshmen to open up and be comfortable in the Janksters community. This deeper understanding has stuck with me, a month into the school year, I haven't gotten close to a freshman yet but I am hopeful, because one day, soon, they will be comfortable enough to shout out GO JANKSTERS at games and talk to veterans. That is a day I am waiting for.
Parisa DeokuleClass of 2017
Seeing all the new faces in robotics is utterly amazing. Looking back on my first year in robotics, I can remember how exciting it was to be learning so much so quickly and being opened up to a whole new world, one that I never knew existed. I can't wait for the new rookies to experience this. Robotics truly changed my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! Rookies, get ready to embrace your nerdiness!
Camille MillerClass of 2016
The start of a new school year encounters new people, new experiences and of course the reboot team 1967 Janksters. This is my second year on the team and it's exciting to take on the role of being a veteran instead of a rookie. It will be challenging to take be the teacher instead of the student, however with every new beginning there is something new to learn. Training the rookies is something that I am really looking forward to because I have the opportunity to teach new things on a topic that I am truly passionate about.
Ysabel ZagalaClass of 2016
Becoming a Jankster
People always say that freshmen are "fresh meat". I was terrified at the thought that I would be lost or unwelcome in a new to high school and a new home, even though I had several of my friends coming to Notre Dame with me. Yet, meeting the Janksters for the first time at Robotics Boot Camp 2015 made me realize that the team members weren't about seniority and upper class priorities, but I saw how greatly the words friendship and fun bonded each of them to one another. Through the various workshops and introductions to different committees, I have not only been able to make new friends and memories, but I learned basic robotics skills that would eventually accumulate to bigger contributions in the future. Although I lean more towards building the next robot with the Mechanical Committee because of the activities I enjoyed in Boot Camp over the summer, I'm extremely excited to work with all the Janksters and solve all of our problems together.
Jayel AmbatClass of 2019
Food and Fun
February 20, 2015
Phew. Finally done with Build Season, though there’s still a lot of work left to do. These last 6 weeks have been really tiring and busy, with students working long hours to finish building our robot. But I think it was all worth it when we got most of our robot working. I’m pretty sure most of us thought that we wouldn’t have a working robot, no matter how hard we pushed ourselves, so it was awesome to see everything slowly coming together and then finally working.
Yashna BansalClass of 2017
Food and Fun? In only one entry? This should be two different entries. Where do I even start? Food is great with the Janksters. Mentors and parents bring in the best food. We’ve gotten milk tea and CREAM for the whole team. We get bagels in the mornings sometimes and don’t get me started on the snicker-doodles one of the moms bring in. I don’t know what I would do without all of the great food that comes in from the parents. Building and thinking is hard when you’re running on an empty stomach after all. But we don’t just build and think. We have fun too. Now that build season’s over we’ll be having our annual trip to Ben and Jerry’s to name the robot. I love staying late at robotics because even though I come home with no motive or time to do homework, it’s just so much fun. Not many people stay late so you get to bond a whole lot more and just have a great time while working hard. Spending so much time with the girls means that everyone knows each other a whole lot better, be it through belting songs while building or struggling through CAD while telling corny pick-up lines. (Or maybe that’s just for mechanical and electronics.)
Minh-Chau DoanClass of 2017
Fifth Week
Robotics has been a really fun experience for me. Our entire team has been getting to know each other and we treat one another as our own family. As a rookie, I did not know what to expect, but being a part of Marketing has helped me learn many things like editing a website and learning about Photoshop. This week will be an intense week as Mechanical started to build the robot. I am so excited and can’t wait to see how our robot will turn out!
– Amritha SankarappanClass of 2018
This week was pretty crazy as we all started to feel the pressure of finishing our robot for Robot Reveal Night. I could tell that the mechanical and electronics committee were picking up their pace, setting priorities, and working very diligently. I’m on the programming and committee, and we were hard at work on our code. Even with our intense focus that allowed us to progress a lot throughout this week, we still managed to find time to have fun. I remember one day I stayed late with Natasha, another member on the programming committee, and we had lots of fun alternating from debugging our code to laughing at High School Musical videos.
– Kimberly ZhangClass of 2016
Fourth Week
During these past couple of weeks, our team has been really busy, but we found time to connect and strengthen our bond as a team. On Tuesday, we sat in a circle and shared our funny experiences we had as a Jankster. As a rookie, I am brand new to everything and did not really know what to expect, but I already feel like I am part of the team. I feel like what I benefited from this team are that I developed new skills, expanded my knowledge, as well as built new friend relationships. Going into our 4th week, we know that we are already halfway and these next few weeks are going to be more intense and nerve racking. However, I believe that together, my team, is capable of building an awesome robot and it will be an exhilarating and fun experience to see our robot come together.
Kathy HoangClass of 2017
Week 4 of build season has come to a close, and the Janksters are still steadily working their way towards a working robot. Hitting the halfway point of build season added a greater sense of urgency to our work; we are all definitely feeling the time crunch now. This past week, however, I have been excited to see this increased urgency translate into progress. Several mechanical subgroups–specifically our chassis group and “boxlift”/lifting mechanism group–have started manufacturing parts and building the physical structure of our robot.I have also been very impressed with how all of the Janksters, both rookies and veterans, have risen to the challenges of build season. After only 4 weeks, I have seen incredible growth in technical knowledge, leadership, and communication skills. There is still a lot of work to be done before we have this year’s robot, and there’s always more to be learned, so I am looking forward to seeing how much we progress in the next 2 weeks.
Regina WalkerClass of 2015
Third Week
Third WeekJanuary 30, 2015
Being a rookie and a junior has been quite stressful this build season, however I have had learned so much over the course of the season. For the past two weeks I have been working with one of the most energetic and experienced mentors, Tamara. She has been guiding me through this journey of Robotics and patiently taking me step-by-step with our CAD design. At first, I thought that I would hate CADing, but once I understood the process I started to resent it less. With CADing I was able to create a visual representation of what our mechanism would look like and to work to accomplish any kinks that came with our mechanism.
Ysabel ZagalaClass of 2016
Second Week
January 24, 2015
A lot of prototyping of many different ideas happened in the second week of build season. In each group, we worked on making prototypes and finding solutions to potential problems with them. We also started figuring out which prototypes we would be putting on the robot and how we would do that. There were five whole work days to make great progress because of the semester break. The two weeks were very exciting, and I am looking forward to continuing work on the robot.
Elaine DuhClass of 2018
Robotics is more than a club, to me, it is a family. This years game is Recycle Rush and it has been both exciting and nerve racking. The game itself is really cool because I am in APES and it connects both environmental science and technology together. Although it is exciting, Recycle Rush is also a bit nerve racking because of how complicated and sophisticated it is. Lucky for me, my student run team is very optimistic and hardworking that there was no way I could be nervous for long. This team has allowed me to improve my communicating skills and become more patient and understanding. Overall, I am extremely excited and I cannot wait until I see how our robot turns out!
Megha MallyaClass of 2016
First Week
When build season started, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that there were going to be longer days, but that was about all I knew. When it started, I quickly found that it was more than just longer days. We were split into groups to work on things from experimenting to strategy. But what I soon realized was that the days didn’t feel as long as I thought they would. Over the next few days, we all made a lot of progress. I’m looking forward to be able to keep working on everything.
–Hannah PatrignaniClass of 2018
As soon as the 2015 FRC game, Recycle Rush, was revealed the first week of build season had begun! The brainstorming began, we brainstormed many strategies for stacking and scoring. We also went to the gym and played the game as if we were the robots. That was a fun way for us to understand the game. We then started using legos to make basic prototypes for mechanisms. I am looking forward to an exciting build season!
– Ishika NarainClass of 2017
Kickoff
On the last Saturday of winter break tired Janksters piled into a cold classroom. The enthusiasm wasn’t really evident at first but as time came closer to the release of 2015’s challenge the anticipation rose. I cannot express the excitement in my teammates eyes as the video began. Immediately after the release of Recycle Rush the chatter intensified as students joined into groups to brainstorm. This period of brainstorming always reminds of how our imagination becomes reality through robots. Simple and complex ideas can be made and applied in real life. It’s safe to say that though brainstorming is tedious and long it’s where the magic happens.
Parisa DeokuleClass of 2017
I didn’t know what to expect going into kickoff since this year is my first season in robotics. But I could feel the tension in the room as the video started and everyone in the theater at San Jose State eagerly awaited the announcement. After watching the founders of FIRST discuss their inspirations and various messages of encouragement from sponsors, they finally got down to business. The new game is Recycle Rush, where teams will compete to stack totes and recycling bins and dispose of “litter”. I heard the gasps as it was announced that bumpers were no longer necessary. This year’s game will be different. There is more strategy involved and there are three different playing pieces on the field. However, after reading the game manual and discussing with teammates, I understand the game more and am very excited to see how our team and other teams solve this unique problem.
–Emma RyanClass of 2018
2015 marks my third year as a Jankster, and my second year as a veteran. That being said, I didn’t really know what to expect for this year’s task — it seems as though FIRST has covered every sport imaginable, from basketball to frisbee! However, arriving at school on January 3 to experience Kickoff with my fellow Janksters, I knew that if there was anything that could be expected, it was that FIRST’s challenge would be nothing short of stimulating. And I was right; the moment I heard the title “Recycle Rush”, I knew that our team — and other teams participating in the FRC– would be in for another great year filled with learning, collaboration, and epiphanies. This time, not only would we be challenged to produce a capable robot, we would have to keep large scale ideas such as environmental friendliness in mind as well. As a Notre Dame student, I love the idea of incorporating environmental stewardship into the FRC program. It just goes to show that the technology we are creating can be used not only to improve our own lives, but to prolong the life of our Earth as well, an idea that resonates well with ND’s virtues of advocacy and social justice.Here’s to a great 2015 season!
Ilumin GacayanClass of 2016