My sophomore year, my parents encouraged me to join the robotics team. Walking down the hall toward room N172, my mind stirred with excitement. But as I stepped inside the door, I felt like an outcast. Nobody greeted me. My willingness to join a group was not even worth a simple, “Hi. What’s your name?”

As nobody paid the slightest attention to me, I migrated toward five guys in a corner. A mechanical carcass was undergoing surgery. As the older student touched two wires, the machine twitched with a knee jerk reflex. The extrovert in me pushed to overcome my dominant introvert. “What are you doing here? My name is Jacob. What is yours?”

“Hi. I am Alex. The wires are loose on this ‘bot,” said a smiley red-head.

I managed to establish a relationship, but the group presented a hard wall to penetrate. But, the lack of attention on my first entrance did not keep me from attending. I continued to come and establish friends. And as years passed, I rose into leadership positions.

Because of the experiences I had as a beginner, I have been able to shape the club for the better. By conversing with my peers, I learned they were blind to their rudeness. They had been attending since freshman year and didn’t need a welcome. For a new member walking in, the fear of not knowing anyone is intimidating. So, now I come early and stand near the door. Each member receives a greeting, whether it be a question about their week or a simple “Hello.” I try my best to remember my teammates names.

As a regular attender, it is easy to embrace the norm, but from the nervous thoughts of a novice flow the ideas for a better reality. I remembered my anxious beginnings and helped the team be more inviting.