As the taxi stopped in front of the convention center, the morning sun reflected the building's massive glass walls. The structure, a part of a renowned technological university, exuded a modern and futuristic feel. Stepping out, my heart raced with anticipation and nervousness, so I almost forgot to pay the taxi driver. Around me, groups of participants moved their equipment and robots toward the entrance, like mechanical creatures migrating to a new environment. At the registration desk, a cheerful referee welcomed me with a smile and handed me a schedule. “Your competition will be held in Hall B, to the left. Good luck!” she said, pointing me towards a large venue with massive rectangular platforms.
As I made my way towards Hall B, the air was filled with a mix of greetings and mechanical sounds. I passed by teams huddled around their robots, making final adjustments. Some were swapping tires, searching for the one with the best grip, while others were running various diagnostics and programs on their systems, with their robot running around the test track. The tense and focused atmosphere felt like stepping into the pits of a Formula 1 race. Looking around, I spotted my nametag on a table in the corner. As I began setting up, placing my robot and toolkit on the table. My attention was drawn to a neighboring team. They were a group from another high school. Their robot looked like race cars from a fiction movie, its design both advanced and intricate. The aluminum outer case of the robot was shaped aerodynamically and polished perfectly. Focusing back on my table, I checked over my robot as the venue slowly filled with the sound of the opening announcements. The objective were simple yet difficult, race around the track as fast as you could.
Background Sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=pUypls1WgCg
I carefully placed my robot on track, holding the start switch tightly. The starting buzzer shattered the silence, and with a soft whirr, my robot ran forward.
“Please”
The competition host called my name. I stood beside the starting line, holding the new robot.
Initially, the robot was indistinguishable, moving exactly like others. But as it entered the first sharp turn, the robot turned so easily like the turn was never there.
“Yes!”
Next, the robot approaches the rapid zigzags, its movements so fluid that it seems like a human is driving it. As it crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted into applause.
The cheers contrasted the silent hours of doubt and determination that had led to this point.
“I trusted myself”
As the final greetings echoed through Hall B, I gathered my tool kits and the robot, feeling its weight less than when I had arrived. Outside, the cool evening air brushed against my face. I enjoyed the sound of the wind and the people leaving. As I walked towards the bus stop, I replayed the competition in my mind. Turning my head up, I saw the group that was beside my table sitting together. Looking at the robot in their hands, I realized I didn’t win because of my ability to create a new system, but my choice to break away from the familiar. If they also abandoned their old system, they could have easily overtaken my score. But life is more about the choices you make, not your abilities. As the bus pulled away, the arena shrinking into the distance, I made a commitment to trust my choice. It is not just what we can do that matters, but what we choose to do
