Results:My team won 2 off-track awards this year. We brought home UrbanConcept Design and Communication Awards, for $3,000 a piece. I mean WOW, one of those reports was my baby. We placed 8/17 in the mileage competition, with 195 mpg. So what part did I play? In a nut shell: My team makes a car thats worth talking about, and I market this program so the world knows it. I’ll get into my process later, but it is the most rewarding project I’ve ever experienced. The Mushy Stuff:This team of 14 people has been the BEST eco-team I’ve worked with in 6 years. We had highs, lows and frustrating all-nighters, but they meant something more this season. Maybe because it was my last year, but these memories are more sentimental than any year before. So many laughs were shared. A bit of cursing. And even a few tears– ok, the tears were mainly from me, but they put up with me through them! There were so many nights I sat in dyno lab or perched on a shop stool (usually in the way) and worked away on my laptop. They asked questions and asked me to move out of the way a lot, but I always felt worth something to the 2019 team. It made all the difference. Especially when we won those awards together. Advice for Competitors• The competition will never be perfect. Complete the surveys after! • Soak in the NETWORKING. So many people are there to invest in you. Ask for business cards. Connect with those people after competition! Impress them! • Do not take your student comms liaison for granted. Your questions are important, but he/she is answering over a dozen other questions also! • Take photos with other teams. Bring extra shirts for swapping too. • Dance with the teams who dance, sing with the teams who sing. Make friends. • Know your car. I don't care if you built it or not, learn about it so you can teach it. • Interact with the children, parents, custodial staff, technical inspectors, fuel handlers, photographers. You never know who someone is and what their title is. (Or who they're married to. Shoutout to Mr. Steve Powers!) • Get excited about something each day at competition. Those experiences matter. • Learn how Asia/ Europe do it differently. Seriously, follow them on social media! • Don't ask what Shell can do for you. Figure out how you can get their attention and impress them. Make Shell realize what you and your team can do for THEM. • Cherish it. I'd give anything to have another year. Maybe you'll see me as a volunteer at some point, but please cherish the memories– good and bad. Some Shoutouts:I was able to reflect on the “big names” and “regular people” I’ve met these 6 years. Jay Leno and Roger Penske are great, but Priscila, Darlene, Americo, Tim, Adam, Laura, Jennifer, Helena, Taylor, Katy, Kirstie, Shanna, Shawn, Adrien, Norman, Ron, Rob, Greg, Rooz, the 3 Steve’s, Mrs. Marti and so many others make this competition the best part of my life. I cannot wait to make these people proud and even join their teams one day. I'm so sorry if I left out your name. Final Notes for my Teammates:I could go on for quite some time about each of you, so I’ll summarize. Kyle: Thanks for always speaking up when the group fell silent. When you speak your words matter more than most, and your encouragement was often what motivated me. Scott: Thank you for keeping me afloat the longest when I felt like I just didn’t belong anymore. Why did it take 3 years to find out you can pop every vertebrae in my spine? Cody: You were once a new-comer and I’m so glad you stuck it out through the good and bad. Our conversations kept me grounded and taught me new perspectives. And someone had to keep me a bit grounded, this season it was you. Tyler: We’d still be in a rut without you. Your initiative is inspiring and your laughter is contagious– especially since we can hear it from 100 yards away. ![]() Leann: My girl, handling every situation with poise and logic. I think you’re the left brain to my right brain. I’m not ready to leave you, I swear. You’re an incredible leader. Daniel: Engineer turned comm major, welcome to the bright side. Thank you for always believing in the team. Keep the Comm legacy going– yes, even from behind the wheel. Luke: Thank you for everything you’ve taught me– engineering, engines, or life. You have a gift, and I’m so glad you’re sharing it with our team. Keep trusting your gut: It’s not always about fast, but also about far. Zach: You are a talent, an absolute unit. A friend, a teammate, and a special part of this process. No matter what the sport, I want you on my team. ![]() Nathan: There are not enough great things to say about our eco-time over 5 years. Thank you for sticking this year out for/with me. No matter what you decide to do, I’m going to cheer you on. Charlie: You really grew on me this year, and making you laugh is my favorite thing. I’ve seen SO much growth in you– never let anyone make you stagnant. You’re going to do just fine. Andrew: You are going to carry this team one day. And you’ll be the old guy saying “it used to be this way or that way”. And you’re going to remember this team, just as this team will remember you. Thank you for shining. Dr. Tims: Thank you for giving me a chance to redefine my role– even when I wasn't thrilled about it. I learned a great deal from you and the grace you shared to our members throughout the year. Sorry I was always your wild card, but our conversations really gave me a goal to reach for. You've known me since I was a child, and I hope to make you proud moving forward. Dr. Swanbom: You've always been the relief in the eco lab, your stories constantly make me laugh. Your wisdom and perspective alters how I see the world each time we speak. Thank you for teaching me all the things I ask about and sharing your world with ours. (Edit: You have a chili pepper in my book.) Final Remarks:I'm unsure how to conclude a year this great. No more tears, and a lot of school left. The post-eco slump has set in. Occasionally I wander down to the shop aimlessly, hoping to see one of the core crew. I study for my communication and marketing courses late at night in Bogard Hall with the engineers. And in (about) 38 days I'll be leaving this place. Then we'll talk more tears.
3 Comments
Matt
4/17/2019 02:40:43 pm
I don't know why I'm crying in the club right now
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Madison
4/17/2019 08:34:10 pm
Not sure if we should be allowed to leave after how great this year was. :,)
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Darlene
4/18/2019 07:28:09 am
You're a class act, Madison. I have no doubt our paths are going to cross again.
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AuthorMy name is Madison Sanders Wooley. I am 24 years old with a life of travel, Jesus, and joy. I'm a communication and marketing graduate. I have a lot of love for animals and eco-friendly practices. I don't have anything figured out, but I have everything in the hands of God.
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