Attending the WWFIRST Kickoff was an exciting and motivating way to start the new FRC season. Walking into Woodland Christian High School this morning, there was a strong sense of energy and community. Seeing so many students, mentors, alumni, and parents all in one place reminded me that FIRST is much bigger than just one team or one competition.
The seminar sessions were one of the most valuable parts of the day for me. We had the chance to choose topics that matched our interests and experience level. The technical seminars gave us a deeper understanding of areas like programming, control theory, and scouting, while others focused on skills that are just as important, such as fundraising, creative problem solving, and planning for the future beyond high school. Hearing directly from alumni and experienced mentors made the information feel practical and achievable, not just theoretical.
Watching the kickoff video together at lunch was another highlight. It felt special to experience that moment as part of a larger group, all learning about the new challenge at the same time. The excitement really built as teams began discussing ideas and thinking about how they might approach the season.
As a team we discussed what the robot needed to do and how we migh approach it. We broke down the game in how we score points and the various tasks required.
Overall, the WWFIRST Kickoff helped us feel more prepared and confident going into the season. It was not just about learning technical skills, but also about understanding teamwork, community involvement, and long term growth within FIRST. We left the event feeling inspired, supported, and eager to apply what we learned with my team in the weeks ahead.