Good night, Formula

Three years ago, I went to my first Formula class on Monday afternoon, even though I wasn't registered. Two years ago, I changed my major from a general engineer to a mechanical engineer partly because I wanted to be "useful" on Formula. One year ago, I undertook the task, along with my team of course, of building a new car. And less than one week ago, it all came to an end.

People say that Formula takes over your life. While I personally tried to balance my life as best I can - between academia, family, friends, and Formula - there is no question that Formula came to squeeze a little bit of everything else so that it could fit snuggly in the elevator of obligations.

I admit that when I started, I was going in blind and basing things only on hearsay. But after going to competitions, after seeing the car start and end its purpose, I saw the goal that I and many of my teammates were working towards.

Looking back, I think I could have done this for 2 years. Starting out as a 1-hour two years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about suspension. (But after the first meeting, I did learn that suspension systems are frightening beasts.) And even though I can't explicitly list out all the things I did learn this year, I know that I gained a lot from working with Formula. I really want to know how useful I could be if I had one more year.

Never in my life have I worked with people as talented, skilled, and dedicated as those on Formula. They were on a level that I never felt I could reach and on one that I really respect. From them, I draw motivation and I slowly found myself saying, "I bet the Formula guys wouldn't have trouble with this" as a way of pushing myself to do just a little bit more.

A couple days ago, I redid my resume. And I'm proud to say that almost half of it is Formula. Even though we've said good-byes, I know it's not the end. It never is, really. As an alumnus, I now realize the connection that I always hear about. And the Illinois and Illini Motorsports connection will always be there. Because that's my obligation.