Robotics is a team activity. Many different disciplines are needed—software, electrical, computer aided design, public relations, and more. One particular discipline involves a lot of manual and physical labor: mechanical. Working with and learning about all the heavy-duty machines calls for a capable mentor, and the Melrose High School iRaiders FIRST Robotics team has one in Jon Rosenfeld. He is retired, and has worked with the team for three years. His lessons on mechanics and robot design have had a lasting impact on the learning experience of students. In turn, Jon says that there have been great rewards in helping others, as he’s seen how knowledge and experience can go a long way in building the minds of the young team members. I talked with Jon about his experience with the iRaiders and the advice he’d give to those who want to mentor:
What role do you play in the iRaiders robotics team?
Rosenfeld: I spend most of my time in the shop helping students learn how to use the milling machine, lathe, and various hand tools. I’ve also helped design some of the mechanisms on the robot by suggesting and coaching students on what might work.
How did you find out about the iRaiders and what made you want to get involved?
Rosenfeld: I ran into them at the Victorian Fair of all places! I saw the booth, what was going on, and I was interested. I’ve always been interested in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. The team is a combination of that, so I thought I should get involved! Photo by Julianne Murthy.
What do you do professionally?
Rosenfeld: I am professionally retired! I did a lot of software development, and some electrical and mechanical work before I retired.
What have you enjoyed most about mentoring so far?
Rosenfeld: In general, it’s nice to see the changes year to year in the students—what they’re like when they come in and what they’re like two to three years later.
What would you say are good skills or strengths for someone in your specific mentor role to have?
Rosenfeld: I think a mentor helping with mechanical engineering and construction should know how to use machine and hand tools, and should have a sense of how mechanisms work. They should also be able to work well with kids. They should also be willing to dedicate a fair amount of time, and try to be at most, if not all, the meetings. They should be prepared to do whatever’s needed, because you’ll sometimes need to fill other roles.
Why mentor? What makes it worth the effort?
Rosenfeld: There’s kind of a dynamic between how much mentors get involved, and how much not to get involved. My view has evolved. I think the concept of mentoring is about passing on whatever information that you have, and actively getting involved with kids doing the work. For me, the reward is in working with kids and passing on something from one’s past.
Julianne Murthy is a junior at Melrose High School and a member of the iRaiders robotics team.
**If you, like Jon Rosenfeld, are interested in passing on your knowledge to high school students in the FIRST Robotics program, contact melrosefirstrobotics@gmail.com. Mentors are needed in a variety of engineering and business-related fields.**