Interview with Sydney Micklas, Shooter Team Leader

Why did you join the AdamBots?
Because, coming into high school I didn’t really know anyone, except for the driver that year. People were talking about robotics and I saw the robot at orientation before, it seemed really neat and something that would be a hobby of mine throughout my schools years at Adams.

How do you balance robotics, academics, and other activities?
Starting robotics I believed that I could continue with roller derby, robotics, and keeping my grades up at school. In my sophomore year I felt as if I was playing a more important role on the team. I dropped roller derby and saw a slight impact on my grades. Starting my junior year, I’ve learned how to manage my time throughout robotics and school.

In one word, how would you describe your experience with The AdamBots?
Impactful.

What do you think is the most difficult or rewarding aspect of FIRST?
Probably the most difficult part is working through design problems, at the same time the experience is very rewarding. In robotics you have to think outside the box which might already be outside of another box.

What advice would you offer future team members?
Love your team, don’t shy away from any opportunities regardless of how difficult they seem. Wear safety glasses.

If you had the necessary authority, what one thing would you change/ improve about the team?
I would push for a lot more communications throughout everyone on the team rather than through mentors to leaders to students. It’s really important that everyone knows what’s going on even if they don’t seem to play a huge role.

What song title would best describe your experience on the team?
“Do Ya Thang” by Andre 3000, James Murphy & GORILLAZ

Written by Cameron Johnson