What has the FIRST experience done for you?

[dddriveman]

Use this thread to post what FIRST has done for you.

[sanddrag]

Has tought me more than all the rest of high school combined.

[Keith Chester]

I have gone from a sore loser to a gracious professionalist.

I have gone from caring about winning to caring about being friends with my opponents.

I have gone from being an isolationist, a stoic, a serious highschooler to an out-going, traveling, happy easy-going individual.

It has been my renaissance.

I have gone from having obscure, unique, imaginative ideas with no basis for reality to having obscure, unique, imaginative ideas created before me.

I have gone from a lazy highschooler to a hard working roboticist.

I have gone from having a hurt amount of pride from several horrible and frustrating years of soccer (9 of them, 7 in dead last) to being proud of my life through FIRST.

I have gone from looking out for me and me only to working every non school hour to trying to spread FIRST.

It has brought my Dad and I closer together as we work hand in hand on this team.

I have been introduced to my closest friends.

I have hope for mankind in the future.

I live a dream.

It has given me reason to live on during several darker occasions.
I am here today because of this and my team. FIRST quite literally saved my life.

And changed it.

I give my life to FIRST because FIRST gave my life to me.

I am Keith Chester, a proud member of FIRST.

[sanddrag]

<applause>Bravo! Bravo!</applause> That is the best post I have read in a long time. I actually got chills from reading it, it touched me so much.

[Aaron Lussier]

Can you spotlight an entire Post? :D

[Erin Rapacki]

Everything Possible.

[shyra1353]

Originally posted by Aaron Lussier
Can you spotlight an entire Post? :D

i hope so because that was definitely memorable and really touched me

[generalbrando]

Replic: wow.

Erin: exactly!


FIRST has done a lot for me. Probably the most important thing is that it motivates me. Especially lately, I have had a great lack of motivation to do anything. When I feel like this, I pull out some pictures, watch some videos, or read over old technical notes (all FIRST stuff). That does it over and over again. I'd be willing to even go so far as to say I probably wouldn't get out of bed in the morning if it wasn't for FIRST :)

[Jim McGeehin]

FIRST has done an unbelievable amount for me.

For starters, FIRST got me up and out of the house and doing something. I've met many interesting people, seen places that I have never been too, and done things I had no idea about.

I've worked on an engineering project, I've worked in public relations, and I've made many a presentation. I've driven a national champion robot (Lil' MOE forever!), taught the Delaware senator to do the same, and made so many new friends, local and abroad.

FIRST has taught me so much about myself. I never realized my own potential and capabilities until they were tested so rigorously in FIRST.

I never thought I was a leader until I was the head of a sub-team, I never thought I was a negotiator until I was a student ambassador, and I never thought how good a person I was until I was surrounded by people who have dubbed me Skippy.

FIRST showed me how to succeed at one of the most difficult, yet important things: Life.

[The Lucas]

I made me a more outgoing person. I was a real shy kid. Somehow wearing a neon Radioactive Green, clapping MOEstix, screaming at the top of my lungs and dancing in a crowd of 16,000 people knocked the shyness right out of me :D . Meeting so many of those interesting people helped also.

I got practical experience in engineering which has set me ahead of my classmates and helped me get a great summer job.

O, and I can't forget $40,000 worth of scholarship money. It helped me choose University of Delaware and I love it here.

[Rich Wong]

Hope.
A brighter view of the future.....
:)

[Marygrace]

FIRST has given me another family, Ive become really close with a lot of our team. My mom and I have gotten a lot closer, shes my best friend now. We tell each other everything......whether we wanna hear it or not. LOL:D Its given me more confidence, helped me to realize winning isn't everything. (And second place, no matter how disappointing because it was so close, is really good) It has also giving me something to look forward to besides Summer. CAN'T WAIT TILL THE SIX WEEKS!!!!!!!!! :D

[sanddrag]

Originally posted by Marygrace
(And second place, no matter how disappointing because it was so close, is really good) ;) They did remember second place that time.;)

[Michael R. Lee]

FIRST has given me $5,000 from the ASME :D cause.....

FIRST has given me something that makes me say "I'm going to be an engineer."

FIRST has given me... motivation (125 Stayin' Alive!)

FIRST is given me... "So that's why we need to know this..." versus the normal "Why are we learning this?"

FIRST has given me some of the best people in the world as my "true" peers and friends as well as mentors to turn to and ask for help ("S.P.A.M. in the place that you live" always)...

...and I would never be here at Northeastern without being in FIRST. (Heck all the schools I applied to had FIRST teams!)

FIRST has helped shaped my life... its the best addiction ever.

[MisterX]

It might not be directly realted as some changes are but since joinginf FIRST I have gone from the biggest fouler on my b-ball team to recieving the League's Sportsmanship Award. Also it has taught me so much about engineering and life such as dont shuffle ur feet while wearing sandles in Florida (sigh... Epcot... AHHHHHH!!!!!! FIRE ANTS!!!!)

[Dirty Harry]

I agree with THE LUCAS, FIRST has definitely killed most of my shyness. In some ways, FIRST has made me a bit TOO crazy. The 6 week build period really taught me how to cuss....

It is also good to see that high school students CAN make really cool robots. I think many adults are under the impression that teens can't do a professional job on anything, but FIRST showed me that people like us can really do some amazing things.

Oh yeah, and now I cannot bring myself to hate math class like I used to. I'm sure that without FIRST involvement I would have been outta that calc class by now.

[Tytus Gerrish]

do not send hatemail Via, Helium balloon
do not bang on the glass when your bot isn't working
do not construct pneumatic projectile weapons and fire them inside the shop
do not put 0.125" aluminum in a sheet metal bender
do not get banned from Chiefdelphi
Do not stand straddled acrossross a pneumatic part of your robot
Always wear safety glasses when jagged pieces of metal can project themselves into your eyes
the arc welder Will give you a wicked nasty sunburn
Do not Hit girls with heart murmurers in the chest
super-glue is The Perfect Band-aid
television tubes Hold an electric charge
Black=positive, red=negative, Or UM.... ehh? the other way maby?
shards of steel that cannot be grasped can be removed from your skin with a magnet, But not stainless steel
The most important thing to have at a comp is Good shoes
The robot cart has to be Totally PIMP!
How to beg for money and how to wash cars
how to jimmy rig a 40 Amp Breaker not to Break
how to Flirt with Girls
how to totally confuse your alliance partners
keep your fingers out of moving parts
Zip ties are the perfect replacement for shoelaces
The shop floor will Always have the wrappers of Junk food on it
To "Close" a circuit means "ON"

see "fiction and fact from the Tytus almanac" for more

[JVN]

Originally posted by Tytus Gerrish

how to Flirt with Girls


Another life touched by the FIRST program. ;)

[Michael R. Lee]

Originally posted by Tytus Gerrish
how to Flirt with Girls

Another side affect Dean didn't think of. But how many FIRST couples are there? Specifically those from different teams?


I agree with Dirty Harry and THE LUCAS, FIRST does kill shyness. It killed mine.

[BandChick]

Through FIRST I have experienced:

That friends come from all over
That people are generally nice and worth tusting
That hardwork pays off
I have gone from a weak high school student to a strong hard-working college student.
I have learned that those who are younger than you, may still be wiser
I have learned the true meaning of friendship, but in the process I have learned the meaning of loss.
FIRST taught me how to be a leader, how to have power, but not abuse it.
I have learned the importance of teamwork and listening.
the idea of a second family
most importantly, I have become a stronger person because of FIRST and the FIRST community. FIRST has seen me through hard times, even when I wanted to turn away. It made me continue to solve problems, and change things if I wanted to stay involved.
FIRST has taught me how to be a better person.

[Kiwi_queen]

FIRST has taught me:
1) to speak my mind about ideas and problems and whatever is on my mind
2) that being crazy is the best thing to be (and that there are people as insane as me out there)
3) that rookies have feelings too
4) that hard work really does pay off (at least when building robots)
5) that science is a lot more fun than English
6) that zipties and safety glasses are the perfect accessories for any outfit
7) that duct tape really can fix anything
8) that I am capable of more than I thought I was
9) that you really can feel close as family with almost total strangers.
(and most definitely,)
10) FIRST has taught me to strive to do my best at all times because, even if you don't win, there are those out there who notice the awesomeness you present...and that is worth more than winning a million times.

[dddriveman]

First has given me:

1) The knowledge to make the best out of a bad situation. Like our Duct-tape shirt at buckeye regionals
2) a second family who cares about as if i am related
3) Firends
4) Self-Respect
5) an undieing urge to ask every engineer I know every question known to man
6) The ability to work with other races of people
7) to look at people deeper then their outside
8) Pride (especially when you did something no one expected you to do)
9) A new-respect for my father (Auto-Mechanics are very bright)
10) Team work and sportsmanship

[Aignam]

That zipties and duct tape can fix any problem. Walls can and will get bigger. Stop signs are optional. Signs can become lady friends. What pneumatics are. How to vacuum effectively. How to use janitorial dust pans. How to see heat...the list goes on.

In all seriousness, however, FIRST has made me a better person. It has taught me the ideals of gracious professionalism. Winning isn't everything. FIRST is about inspiring others and being inspired by others. It, to me, is an unparalelled experience. Nothing comes close to seeing a team function properly through the best and through the worst. FIRST has introduced me to my closest friends. FIRST has taught me how to make hard decisions with limited time, resources, and knowledge. FIRST has taught me to speak my mind. FIRST has taught me most of what I know.

[Rpifirst]

First has Taught me a great deal. It has introduced me to people who I look on as role models (Ken Stafford Rick Petty Chris Werner). FIRST also has given me an insight to my dream ,what it is like to be an engineer. First has taught me practical applications for engineering. I look at a problem and say things like oh wait our 2002 robot had the same problem just do this to fix it.

also first has taught me
Crud
"thats what she said"
that it is possible to cut arcs with a straight jig(sean)
how to stack bins 9 high
how to talk to a person(judges) about technical things and make them believe in your design.

[Ashley Weed]

FIRST has taught me that I am an individual. As the individual I can complete any task that may be thrown at me.
FIRST has taught me that there are caring people in the world. I have made more friends throughout the world from FIRST than I ever had the opportunity to make in school.
FIRST has taught me to win graciously, and I have even tried to learn how to loose graciously! ;)
FIRST has brought to me the love of my life. And, above all - FIRST has taught me self worth.

Thank you - FIRST

[Alaina]

FIRST has basically made me become alive. I used to be the one standing in the corner, not caring about what other people are doing or thinking. But since I have been involved in FIRST I have learned to appreciate more people, I'm a lot more out-going and I have SO much fun while I'm at it.
FIRST has simply made my life worth living.

[tenfour]

What has FIRST done for me........

There is always the obvious engineering aspect. But I feel that the others are more evident, radical and life changing.

I have learned a lot about people. This is because working in the FIRST atmosphere, a variety of of situations are encountered that allow one ot learn a lot. I have dealed with the ncie, the nasty, the reasonable and the highly unrational folks.

[Amanda Morrison]

FIRST has given me...

The opportunity to further my education. The outstanding gift of a single inspired student and their smiles. The outlet from a competitive, angsty teenager to a someone who wants to do something more for their community. The stability of creating my own life. The power to inspire others. The amazement of creation. The lesson that kids can do anything, if you let them. The crutch for me to lean on. The open door to a better world.

Without FIRST, I would not have gone to college. I would not have met any of the great people I know today. I would not have the courage, strength, and will to get the job done.

FIRST has this great way of picking people up from the depths of their lives, and giving them something to lean on. FIRST has given me everything, and I am trying very hard to give it back.

[Guilherme]

FIRST has taught me that we should never give up our ideals

FIRST has made me believe that we CAN create heroes in science and technology

FIRST has taught me that everything is possible, we just have to fight for it

FIRST gave me the strength to spread robotics to our province.

* This year, our high school has been supporting and teaching robotics in 4 other high schools from our province. A hard thing to do in Brazil.

[mtaman02]

What has FIRST done for me. This for all intensive purpose I will treat as a 2 part Question.

What has FIRST done for me?
What has The team you participated with done for you?


FIRST has allowed me to see new places and meet new people. FIRST has also given all the schools within its community the ability to turn the students who participate around and point them in the right direction in life.

As for the Team. Well being a part of T.522 they have done alot for me. They have allowed me and taught me how to be a successful and memorable (admired) leader. They have also turned my behavior in school as well as school grades around to positive sides. I hope I'm not putting words into their mouths by going on to say that 2 coaches of that team considered me as a son and I considered them as a father to me. They have also expanded my knowledge in the electronics and welding fields that my current job requires. Thanks Mr.T and Darren.

I could go on and on what T.522 has done for me as well as FIRST and like any other FIRST-A-Holic you just can't say enough about how FIRST improved whatever skills you now have today let alone what FIRST has done for us.

A big thanks to
FIRST and T.522 for changing my life and way of thinking. And I hope that more and more students in the FIRST community get the same Chance as I have.

Mike M.
T.522 and McKee HS Alumni Student

[John JediMaster]

taught me that you can't just walk into a club, and have respect, I learned that you have to earn your respect. It took me my whole freshman year to do this. And that you will have a headace if you profile for nats for 7 hours in one day.

[Rickertsen2]

Attempting to describe in mere words what FIRST has done for me would be a perversion of its true impact.

[Arefin Bari]

FIRST let me meet new ppl and get to know them... i have bunch of friends in first now... put it this way... in my buddy list i have 51 FIRST ppl...

FIRST also made me realize what would i want to do in my life... :D

[DanL]

*renames thread to "SENIORS: college essays ahoy!*

Seriously though, like most people, being involved in FIRST has made me much more of an outgoing and confident person. It's not only the engineering thats good, it's also the fact that it gets you out of the house and lets you interact with people. I'll admit it - freshman year, I was the shy kid that stayed at home all the time. I'd just sit on the internet or watch TV or just waste time - it was miserable. I had all these ideas and thoughts of "wouldn't it be cool if..." -- problem was I had no real motivation to do anything. When a robotics team was formed at my school sophmore year, well, it was the removal of that last stone that kept the dam together. The dam broke apart, and the floodwaters behind it were violently released. I had found a place to develop all these vague thoughts and ideas that have been tickling my mind. In my freshman stay-at-home-expieriences, I had toyed around with computer things like Flash, web development, programming - all your classic stereotypical computer nerd stuff. With robotics, I've been able to focus all these things towards a single cause. Although I'm sure general high school development played the primary role, I think the interaction involved in applying all this has made me a more outgoing person.