So, my robotics team made it to nationals this year. Woohoo! After four days in Atlanta, a few things became apparent to me.

First, big cities really are messed up. I realized before that they weren't exactly safe, but the morning news held in store four fatal car crashes, over ten shootings, two ATM robberies, and the burning of a dog; all in a four day period. And that was the morning news. I'm glad I'm heading over to a smaller city for college.

Second, FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, the robotics organization) is a truly great program, but unfortunately can't and never will be able to create a level playing field. I found our team outclassed by teams who received funding from GM, GE, Johnson and Johnson, and other powerhouse companies. The students didn't design the robot, didn't build the robot, but did drive. They had facilities worth tens of thousands of dollars, and they just plain outclassed my team. I don't mind losing, but it's sad to see students not gaining the benefits the program has to offer.

Third, there is never a situation which has no redeeming benefits. Always, always, always there is something to be learned. Even in the most hopeless, painful, and depressing situations, there is always some sort of lesson to be learned or benefit to be gained. The cliche that claims "anything that doesn't kill us makes us better" really is true. Well, better isn't the term I would use to describe it, but the general sentiment is the same.

Life is full of stumbles, sadness, grief, and despair. But if we take every rock in the road as a pearl in a clam, then the road is that much better. No longer is there a rock in the road; rather there is a road that is an opportunity for us to avoid having to cross over mountains. Life only becomes beautiful when there are ugly parts to compare to. Everything is relative, and without the hardships, there would be a pointless existence of indulgence, a life of ease and gluttony which I would view as a curse.