After months of mentally exhausting fall musical rehearsals, I found myself with something I hadn’t had in a long time: free time. My daily routine, which had revolved around school, rehearsals, and homework, left little room for anything else. I was constantly rushing from one activity to the next, never quite catching my breath. Free time felt almost foreign, and I wasn’t sure how to spend it. That’s when I remembered WOBOT, the robotics team at West Ottawa, a group I had been curious about for some time. With my schedule finally cleared, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and see what this team was all about, hoping to make the most of my newfound freedom.

   When I entered the ‘Bot Cave,’ I was immediately struck by the buzz of activity. Students were already gathered around computers and workbenches before the meeting had even officially started. It was clear that everyone had a specific role to play, whether in programming, engineering, troubleshooting, or testing. Despite the serious work, the energy in the room was lighthearted and full of enthusiasm. Everyone was eager to learn and share knowledge, creating an environment where collaboration was key.
As I walked further into the room, Otto Dryfhout, the head coach of WOBOT for the past eight years, approached me with a warm smile. He asked if I was interested in programming or engineering, and I was excited to learn about both. Dryfhout took the time to give me a thorough crash course on the team’s history, mission, and how the robots are built and programmed for competition. I was amazed to learn that WOBOT, founded in 1994, is the oldest continuous-running robotics team in Michigan. Over the years, the team has traveled more than 35,000 miles, attending competitions in places as far as Arkansas, North Dakota, and Canada. Along the way, they’ve earned multiple awards, including the Chairman’s Award five times and the Engineering Inspiration Award 14 times.

  The excitement reached its peak when the robot was wheeled into the room. Sleek and powerful, it looked both impressive and intimidating. The robot was designed to complete a variety of tasks, such as launching rings, navigating obstacles, and using pneumatic hooks to lift itself onto objects. One feature that caught my attention was the ring launcher, which had an intricate design that made it look capable of launching at high speeds. The more I learned, the more I marveled at how much engineering and thought had gone into creating this robot.

   Just when I thought it couldn’t get any cooler, Otto handed me the controller. At first, the remote seemed like a complex puzzle, with its array of buttons and joysticks, but Otto patiently walked me through each control. He explained how to drive the robot and how to use its specialized functions. With a little practice, I began to control the robot with surprising ease, zooming it around the room. It was incredibly responsive, and even though the robot weighed over 100 pounds, I was amazed at its speed and agility. Otto mentioned that I was using its lowest power setting, which left me wondering just how fast it could really go.

   What stood out to me most during my time at WOBOT was the team’s strong sense of community. It wasn’t just about building robots or winning competitions; it was about working together, learning from one another, and growing as a group. The team wasn’t divided into cliques or exclusive groups, everyone was equal, and all ideas were welcomed. It was a place where collaboration thrived, and every member’s contribution, no matter how big or small, was valued.

   Casey Warren, one of the team members, said: “The WOBOTS as a team is a wonderful group of highly motivated and friendly faces. Coming into the team, I knew barely anything about building a robot or working as a team in general. Overall, the experiences that the team has offered me are some that I don’t think I am going to forget.”

   Reflecting on my time with WOBOT, I realized how much I had learned in such a short time, both in terms of technical skills and the value of teamwork. What began as a simple curiosity about how to spend my free time transformed into an experience that exceeded my expectations. I gained a deeper appreciation for engineering and robotics, but I also learned how teamwork and shared enthusiasm could elevate a project to new heights.

   Attending just one WOBOT meeting showed me that free time can be more than just a break from schoolwork, it’s an opportunity to explore new interests, form meaningful connections, and embrace challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Although my time with WOBOT was brief, it left a lasting impression. I walked away with a newfound passion for robotics, a stronger understanding of collaboration, and a sense of excitement about what I could accomplish when I work alongside others with a shared goal.