Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

It's great to read all of the heartfelt reasons why people love FIRST robotics! I know I continue to be in FIRST because the program has taught me things that I could never hope to learn in school!

We at FIRST 846 recently started a program call "Because robots..." Through this campaign we hope to show the world why robots rock!

We created a website http://becauserobots.org/ where we post videos and articles about why robots are awesome! If anyone has something interesting to share click the "Submit a Post" button and share it with us!

Also, we are encouraging people to complete the phrase "Because robots..." with a short blurb. For example "Because robots can save the world!"

If anyone has a phrase to share please take a picture of yourself holding up your completion to the phrase and submit it on our website. For more instructions, click the "Submit a Picture" button found on the homepage.

We'd love to hear what everyone had to say! Thanks!

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Thanks for explaining this, and doing all you do. I was having a hard time resolving your expression with the fact that you seem to be volunteering at just about every event I've attended.

-Karlis

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

...because as much as I found school to be a waste, the necessity to do well to participate in robotics made me a better student, a more capable learner, and a more balanced and positive attitude...

...because even though I'm red in the face and lost my voice from yelling, I wouldn't trade any day I spent at a competition for anything...

...because I need to know people that get my jokes...

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I got back from Palmetto yesterday and wrote up another reason that I stay with it:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...&postcount=114

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Quite simply, I will continue to be in this program to give students the opportunities FIRST gave me. I wouldn't be where I am today without FIRST.

Four years ago I was arrested for smoking Marijuana in the bathroom at my school, while I am not proud of it, it is one of the things that led me where I am today. For the months following my arrest I struggled to find purpose, GUS was there when I needed help. From the mentors to students everyone was supportive and helped my nix my previous life. I owe a lot to FIRST, so I will do everything I can to continue to giving back until the day I die.

-D

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because it's hard.
Where homework and class rigor fail, robotics fills in the gaps. FIRST has endless levels of difficulties. Every year there is so much that you can do to improve, and when you get all the way to the top, you keep going and you push the bar higher (ahem, robonauts).

Because it's fun.
What could be more fun than bringing an idea to life, competing in a packed stadium of cheering robo-fans.

Because it's addicting.
I'm browsing Chief Delphi in class. I dream robots. I stop watching movies to watch webcasts. I wait an extra hour for the late train home because I didn't want to leave the robot.

Because it's life-changing
The most alluring to me. I came into robotics a timid, slightly depressed, annoying freshman. I have come out a leader with experience not only in telling people what to do, but real people skills -- how to talk to people, how to give a presentation (turns out it is much easier when you love the subject).

Looking forward to seeing you guys at Midwest Regional! (and perhaps visiting as a UIUC student next year! While I haven't decided on college yet I am have been accepted and am heavily considering UIUC)

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because FIRST is what brought me to where I am today.

Because I can teach a student something one day and the next have her be better at it than I am.

Because I have students giving me instruction on what to do to help in other systems of the robot.

Because I have a student begging me everyday to install Inventor on the team laptop so he can use it.

Because when one of my team's schools was closed for a week for a snowstorm, the other opened theirs up as they had for two years before I started when the team didn't even have a place to meet in their own school.

Because I walked into a team meeting on Kickoff for the first time and instantly felt at home in a room full of strangers.

Because I can read through this thread and relate to almost every one of these responses and hope for the rest.

Because I want to inspire these kids the way I was inspired 9 years ago.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

FIRST is too much fun to let go of. We learn, we play, we teach. Its just what we do.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because it was through FIRST that I could tell my dad, who played football, that his non-athletic son got called Coach for the first time.

Because unlike teaching in a classroom, there is no governmental program telling me how to run a FIRST team.

Because I have an eight year old daughter and a six year old daughter who will need a place to belong when they get to highschool.

For the eyes of a sophomore rookie who wrote our chairmans award essay. I saw her type the last word and when she turned to look at me I saw all of the reasons for FIRST dance within her gaze. I saw pure, unadulterated accomplishment and know she will never be the same.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

The reasons I stay in FIRST?

118, 254 and 1114's robots.

Also, it's fun. It went from it being fun for me as a student, to it being fun for me as an adult. I really don't know of anything else that does that.

FIRST has it's ups and downs, but hey, as long as we're all having fun and learning, it's all that matters...