The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

This is my first year as an official mentor to a team (FRC Team 4096, Ctrl-Z), and I got a very different feeling when I went to competition this year. Usually, when I was on a team, I got a feeling of "I'm so pumped, FIRST is so awesome, can't wait to see our team do awesome". This year, I felt "Wow! I'm so proud of my students." and I felt that every single day waking up and going to sleep, standing in the stands and walking around.

So with that in mind, I wanted to start a thread (hopefully there isn't one already, sorry for making it again if there is), that showcases what the reasons are that you continue to be in FIRST. I know we can see this in many of the posts throughout CD, so to make it interesting I want to try and encourage posts to be relatively short and to the point. As minimum background info and straight to the point. I know there are multiple reasons, so feel free to post more than one but try to make it only ONE reason per post. I'm very curious to see what FIRST means to parents, mentors and students and why they're still in FIRST.

Note: If you can't keep it short, that's fine. I'd like to hear it anyways!! And I know it's tough to make it short but I want you to try and put that effort in.

So here's mine as of last night:

Paula, a 9th grader on Ctrl-Z tweeted, after coming back from competition:

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Why is it important to you to keep the posts very very short? I didn't know you could put Inspiration on a short leash.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Hmm, I wanted to see how short they could be. Also I wanted to make this sort of a practice pitch about FIRST, meaning, when you talk to interested parties about FIRST, while we can all drone on and on, it's important to get to the point and tell them the main reason(s) you're interested.

I'm not really opposed to stories (I would love them), so if you really can't make it terribly short, then go ahead and expand.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Well, anyone who knows me or has heard of me, knows I fail at elevator pitches and that, if ever there was a wrong thread for me to post in, this one is it.

That said, I'll give it a twitter try:

I continue to participate in FIRST because I continue to be inspired.

Jane

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I think you might have captured it yourself:

As any parent knows, dealing with kids can be a tad frustrating at times, and a team of 30-odd only multiplies that frustration. But then, you're the mentor in charge of the pits and you realize, you're not doing anything but standing back and making sure nothing REALLY bad can happened. Meanwhile the students are prepping the robot for the next match, or coming back from helping another team looking for a needed tool.

Plus, it's heck of a lot of fun.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue to participate in first because I don't think my team has a formula to make a winning robot every year. If we did I might not be as interested, because the problem of the build season would be solved.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

this should be a great thread :)

.... because it is our way of getting many people excited about something important!

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because of teams' boundless creativity and the pursuit of excellence.

There's so much more to say though...

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

There is a reason I don't Twitter.

Because I have 11+ years of stories, and these stories usually have nothing to do with building a robot. Some of them are very very funny, some still make me tear up, some are about how you can learn something new every day, a few are about mistakes and people behaving badly and "I am not making this up", and many are about opportunities to make a difference in the world.

There is a common thread of volunteerism, problem-solving and teamwork to most of the stories .
And usually involve a lot of very nice people.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

For that moment when a girl on our team goes to Peachtree without plans to go to Palmetto (some scheduling conflict), then starts trying to change the plans before we've finished unloading the bus back home.

For that moment where an idea leads to the basis for a champion robot.

For the growth I see in both the students and our mentors. (We work with students at the University of South Carolina, students not much older than the kids themselves. Seeing their progression during their college years is amazing.)

For the moments where opportunity is seized and something amazing results.

For the pig-kissing, the nerd rock bands, the talks until 4:00 AM, the dinners with folks that live thousands of miles away swapping stories, the plays that lead to a "THAT WAS AWE-SOME!" chant.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because the team I helped to start in 2001 continues to re-invent itself every year, after numerous inspirations and successes, and in spite of numerous challenges.

Because the team I watched getting off the ground in 2007 just completed the trifecta -- regional winner, RCA, and WFFA at their home event -- also in spite of numerous challenges.

Because the team I helped to start last year has reached high, and performed beyond my expectations, qualifying for the MSC two years straight.

Because three long days of volunteering inspires me to stay late on Saturday, break down the field, and load the truck.

Because of the kids who come back as responsible professionals, inspired and ready to drive the future.

Because I cannot stay away.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because through FIRST i saw my little sister grow into a successful woman

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because of the freshman who refused to focus on anything, who has since graduated, now calls me by my first name, sends me Father's Day wishes, and works for an FRC supplier.

Because of the timid girl who came to robotics because that's what her boyfriend was doing; she ended up taking PLTW classes, getting a high school internship at Rolls-Royce, is now studying civil engineering and serves on a regional planning committee.

Because of the dozens of stories like this that I have, even though I've only been around FRC since 2006.

Because of the adults who have inspired me, and I'll never get the chance to tell them, so I carry their memories in my heart as I try to spread their messages.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

The reason I continue to mentor in FIRST after having 2 sons go through & graduate; I had one of the students who graduated in 2008 contact me & ask if I can help her get in touch with the best possible connection for getting a job interview at Hamilton Sundstrand. I was able to get her the connection she needed & she was so happy. Most of these students who have graduated still keep in contact with me & that makes me feel good. Can I say I've made a difference? Yes!

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because the problem solving opportunities offered in FIRST are challenging, fun, inspirational, and I want to share that excitement!

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I get to see my sons...they're mentoring other teams now

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because of the community

Because of the opportunities

Because of the future

Because of the culture changing

Because of the competition

Because of the fun

Because of the experience

Because of the challenges

Because of the maturity it brings

Because of the family it makes

Because of the learning

Because of the chance to change someone's life

Because of the chance to change the world


This list could go on for 3, maybe 4 pages, and this is only my second year.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue to be in FIRST cause I love the people that I meet. In the past 7 years on being with WildStang (4yrs as a student and 3 as a mentor), I have always loved meeting new people and being able to help guide the team to more success.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

If you can see in my signature, there is a quote I had made up a few weeks ago. That's why I am in FIRST up to the present.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

-I continue to be in FIRST because I feel obligated to give back to the program that has given me so much.

-I continue to be in FIRST because I love to see the different ways each team solves the same problem.

-I continue to be in FIRST because of how much you can learn, even once you graduate from high-school.

-I continue to be in FIRST because it provides the opportunity to teach the youth about STEM.

-I continue to be in FIRST because it makes me happy, even during the saddest of days.

-I continue to be in FIRST because of the great friends that I have made over the years.

-I continue to be in FIRST because robots are awesome. ;)

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue to be in FIRST because I strive to inspire the kids to pursue their dreams.

I continue in FIRST because it has inspired me.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

To take a quote I made on Facebook a few weeks ago about the financial sacrifices volunteers make on behalf of serving FIRST: "
It's no big deal really. I chose to do this so I don't mind making a little financial sacrifice. I always thought the definition of volunteering was to give selflessly of oneself without any expectation of reward or reimbursement. I prefer using my vacation time doing FIRST. The people I see at the events aren't just my friends -they're family. I just love being around them. And even though I always looked pissed off and I don't like dancing I always have the time of my life at the event all the time. Even when I'm barking at the kids because they don't do what I ask them to I still love them all. Not just the X-Cat kids. Or the Rolling Thunder kids. Or the G.R.R. kids. Or the Sparx Kids or the Rochester FIRST kids but all of them. They're all my kids and I want to see the best from them and for them so I would sacrifice a hundred time more of myself for their sake. I know of hundred of other mentors just like us who would gladly do the same because we know if we didn't stand up for them then who would?

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Continue? You mean we can quit? Why didn't someone say so!

Seriously, FIRST does seem to take a huge amount of time and energy. I would be out of here tomorrow if it weren't for the students. They are just so darn deserving and appreciative. What's up with that? :ahh:

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue to be in FIRST to insprie and be inspired.

-Nick

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because I'm crazy.


... but that's a good thing.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue to be in FIRST because it inspires me to push myself beyond my limits. Through FIRST I realized I am capable of doing so much more which inspired me to go to college for engineering. I never realized that I had that much potential. FIRST also helped me build my confidence and help me grow as a person. I get to meet new people and learn new things everyday and I cant ask for more because I feel like the sky's the limit right now

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I coach Competitive Educational Robotics (VEX & FRC) and I teach for one very good reason:

I can't think of anything better to do.

- Mr. Van
Coach, Robodox

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I went from student to mentor of team 701. I stay in FIRST to have the opportunity to watch each year of students give back to the younger students and the way everyone teaches each other on our team. Our team hasn't won a regional or chairman's, but each year we get closer and closer, and it feels like we're right on the cusp of it.

I never feel like our team has taken a step backwards. And to me, that's amazing.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because FIRST is like a highly addictive drug and I can't wait to get my fix during every day of build and competition season.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

As a new father, I have honestly been toying with the idea of leaving FIRST, if only temporarily, so that I can focus more time on my family. It has been emotionally draining, me not being able to see our son for a four-day stretch, and even more challenging for my wife to handle him with little to no help. I know I am missing pivotal moments in his development, and I long for the chance to just be with him.

I am the only faculty member involved in our FIRST program, and thus, I am required to be at whatever events the team wants to participate in that are "school-sponsored" activities.

I have given my students a half-hearted ultimatum that if they value this program, that it be their charge to find additional help for me amongst the school faculty that can alleviate part of my burden so that I can spend time with my family. So far, I have yet to hear anything of their efforts, and it saddens me to think that I may have to let go.

Now, I say that my ultimatum is half-hearted, because I know the value of this program, and I have witnessed the benefits that the students receive. I don't think I am able to walk away from this team, but I cannot continue to work in this capacity for much longer. It would be irresponsible to my family and to my team (because my heart wouldn't really be into it as I would be constantly missing my family). But for now, I am still here...and I know that my situation is not unique.

So the question becomes -- why did I post it in this thread? And the answer leads us back to the original question -- "Why do we continue to participate in FIRST?"

I am a teacher. I see my job as a facilitator of independent learning, meaning it is my job to make you think, and to help you learn HOW to learn.
FIRST does this and more. It removes creative boundaries, and removes standardized scoring rubrics. It expands the capacity of an individual to think outside of the box. It promotes teamwork, and allows students to develop their own projects in which they work with their peers. It allows you to appreciate the accomplishments of others without jealousy, but with admiration. I could continue this paragraph for another 20 lines, but the jist of it is -- Once you are exposed to FIRST, it is hard to turn your back on it, because you know that your students are benefitting in more ways than any other program could ever offer.

So for me, considering leaving FIRST has been the most heart-wrenching and draining situation I've ever had to deal with. I've spent 10 years of my life helping to build a program that I'm exceptionally proud of, but I cannot continue to work in this capacity alone. I hope that we have the chance to continue our team in the future, and inspire another teacher (or two or three!) to become integrated into our fold.

Sorry for venting, but it's been one of these huge "on-my-minds" that I wanted to get out verbally for a while.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I'm technically still a student, so maybe I'm out of line posting here, but as a member of the team leadership the past two years I've really had a change of perspective on how FIRST impacts students. So here's why I plan to continue being a part of FIRST:

This was a Facebook post by a freshman member of our team:

"After the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition in Salt Lake City:

What I learned:

1. Robotics is worth far more than the fees, it is absolutely priceless.
2. There are significantly more girls in FIRST Robotics than I ever thought...
3. #### ######## is an awesome robot driver (and he was already boss anyway).
4. Looney Toons is slightly demented, especially on a bus full of teenagers.
5. Being a mascot is freaking AWESOME!
6. I've learned more in Robotics in less than one year than I have in 2 years of school.
7. ##### ###### is the BEST Safety Captain, even though she can be boss(y) sometimes...
8. ### ###### looks like a samurai with his hair tied back.
9. Our robot wasn't the best?! :)
10. Being on a bus for 7 hours can be REALLY fun with so many awesome people.

Comments:

1. I wouldn't miss next year's regional for ANYTHING!
2. Dean Klein totally deserved the Woodie Flowers award!
3. The DJ at the competition was awesome! Playing stuff like Skrillex, Daft Punk, Numa Numa, etc.
4. Going to the competition was THE MOST FUN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!
5. EVERYBODY needs to check out robotics next year!
6. I am totally content with where we placed, even though we aren't going to nationals. I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL get there next year.
7. FIRST is the coolest!
8. #### ########, ##### ####, ######### ####, #### ####### + ##### ####### NEED to join Robotics next year."


Seeing new members grow and become excited about FIRST, STEM and teamwork is a truly amazing experience. After winning the RCA last year in Utah, and watching my team rush down to the field, I realized that FIRST wasn't about the robot, engineering, the build season, or even the Chairman's award, but about learning, teamwork, and becoming passionate about a project that you design from the start. I know the effect that mentors have on the students, and if I can be half what any of our mentors have been throughout my four years of FIRST, then I'll be more than satisfied with what I've done to help my future students.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Last year, I personally had 225 reasons to continue in FIRST!

This year, I hope to found more 225 reasons including some "very special little reasons" :)

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

You called it, Ken. :)

Jane

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I'll be honest, it's because I'm selfish.

Seeing the direct impact your time can have on students and the satisfaction of seeing a napkin sketch become a cad model, then into machined parts in less than six weeks is something you really can't get anywhere else.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I'm pretty sure I know how you feel. I am not thinking of leaving FIRST, but I have been trying to think of ways that I can keep the team(s) going strong without neglecting my family. My wife and her side of the family have been doing most of the parenting while I am gone most of the time for robotics, and I have a lot of associated guilt.

I love it too much to quit, and I think FIRST can do more for the world than any other extracurricular program.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because FIRST has changed my life already, and I want to find all the ways it will change others'.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I just like a good challenge! :D

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because even though I'm probably not going to be an engineer I still value what FIRST has taught me: leadership, teamwork, ingenuity, inspiration, dedication, determination, hard work, challenging yourself, and gracious professionalism.

Because without FIRST I wouldn't have met the people I call family.

Because I wouldn't have aything else to do on the weekends.

Because I like seeing my team's ideas come to life.

Because I want to encourage more people to join.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because I want to make sure high school students can continue to get introduced to STEM in a fun and exciting way. Just like I was.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I have been involved with FIRST for 17 years, and many of you already know that. I started out at the wee age of 5 and have been heavily involved ever since. My greatest highlight in FIRST thus far is being a mentor. FIRST is about the bonds and relationships that are formed, and when those bonds and relationships become as strong as they are you can achieve greatness.

As a first year mentor, I was a bit lost and it was hard to hand everything over to the students, for I had been used to writing awards and designing the robot with other students as a student for 7 plus years, but I found a way and it was done.

But to answer your question, whole heartedly, I do this, I do FIRST, for the students. Day in and day out I am there for them, in school or out of school 24/7 and they all know that. The one thing that I always tell my kids is that, if they are happy I am happy. Because they are the future, and they are the leaders of our team. Their decisions drive what the team does and it is what they want to do. I am in this to give them something to do in and out of school and provide opportunities to them that they otherwise may not encounter. For a few of my students that I have had, furthering their education was not really something they thought about, but after showing them and inspiring them, it is 100% possible, they look at higher education and create paths for themselves that they may not have deemed possible.

Teaching the students new and innovative things, while guiding them down different and inspirational paths in life is why I do this. I'm not one to "flaunt" in any way shape or form, but I do this to be a role model. Knowing a student changed their "track" for college and where they went because you inspired them to do so, means the world to me. And to hear the students say we can do this and we can do anything we set our minds to, really gets me going and keeps me going, because they never give up.

And last but certainly not least, I do this because this team is my family and they reassure that to me each and everyday.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue to do FIRST because I see everything that's wrong with the world and wish there was some way I could help make it better. Then I remember there's a place where I can.

To me, FIRST is the reference implementation of life.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because this is the hardest thing I've ever done.

Why do I do it? Why does Rice play Texas? Why does BC play the Red Sox? Not because it is easy, but because it is hard. I have witnessed this program do amazing things. Kids who should not have graduated high school have gone to college on scholarships and become engineers. Kids who have it rough at home or are facing learning challenges find a place to fit in. Kids who need a family and a place to belong find one.

The best victories are the ones you work for. This program has shown me the value of hard work over the course of years. Few other things can do that.

And really, this is the most selfish thing I have ever done.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

...because when I was a student in FIRST, we all actually watched and listened to Dean's speaches during kickoff, and thought very highly of them. I'm not necessarily saying we don't now, but his words were more powerful the first time I heard them as a 10th grader.

Now, I have basically sidelined the rest of my life to teach in the very school where I was once a student, and I am helping shape this team into what I dreamed it would be over a decade ago. There is never a dull moment.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I'm a relatively emotional guy, so while my reaction may be an OVERreaction, I basically got goosebumps and almost got to a tears-of-joy situation while reading many of these posts.

We are all in this for many of the same reasons, and I've known they are all great reasons. I seriously seriously encourage you guys to make sure that you say what you've said here to anyone at any opportune moment you get.

This is fantastic!!!!! Please keep responding, I cannot wait to read more posts.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

FIRST has changed my life for the better. I was going to be an art teacher, and it was through being on a FIRST team that I fell in love with engineering, and science, and found what I truly wanted. I continue be involved and mentor because I think that FIRST is an amazing program, and I hope that others will benefit from is as I did! :)

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I started tearing up too, particularly to Mr. Gregory's post.

But to answer the question, I continue to be in FIRST because it saved me from what many peace studies scholars call, "The cycle of violence." I feel FIRST can change a person's life for the better and I hope one day, when I'm a mentor, the same hope that my mentors gave me at a better life though this program will inspire another student who's been hurt like I have to become something of them selves and to not let the bad consume them.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Our last meeting before our first regional, while we were packing up, the students on my subteam came up to me, all wearing these:


They gave me this:


They said it is now part of my uniform, and I have to wear it to all our competitions this year.

That's why I'm in FIRST.

This is my second year as a mentor, and the funny thing is, I thought I became a mentor because robotics has been my passion for years. Come to find out, I've become even more passionate about helping "my" kids grow into their fullest potential. I try my best to see them not as just high school kids, but as future colleagues. As someone told me once: The way you see them is how you treat them, and how you treat them is what they often become.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Another reason I am in FIRST.

There's a student that always complained or would sag his shoulders when asked to go work on something. He'd be fine working on the task and is very smart, but would always have some sort of "but.." statement or reaction. Of course, he's a great kid and guy, so we've developed a friendly relationship.

During competition, one of the teams requested some chain, and I went over to the pit admin table to give it to them, and the student joined me. We ended up taking it over to the team directly, and saw that they were in fact actually building their robot. The student, who by the way, has never been in any FIRST program, immediately thought of helping them. He didn't even just build their robot but he mentored them and talked the entire drive train through with them. He ended up staying with the team from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

When the rest of the team was leaving. I came to speak to him and see where he was. Our pit crew was going to stay back and work on the robot a little, so one of our other young mentors (a freshman in college) and another student also came with me to check out this student working.

He was so interested on working with this team, that he convinced our other mentor and the other student to also stay with him until pits were closed. The three of them missed going to a team dinner, and hanging out with the team and spend some free time.

I am so insanely proud of him. To see someone that complains from working on his own team's robot (not really complaining but still) to without any objection at all working for 5 hours straight on another team's robot. If anything at all, this one moment will keep me going with FIRST.

FIRST is so cool...

I continue to be in FIRST because this is the hardest fun I will ever have.

It inspires people because of its level of difficulty, and truly the ones who are inspired by this believe that it is fun.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Foss, this sounds like one of the countless discussions we would have around the dinner table at Clarkson. To me, seeing a student who would have been satisfied with average transform over however many years they are in the program is the best feeling. An example of this, one of the students on my old team was asked by his mom what he wanted to do when he was a freshman. His response before his first regional was to ride 4 wheelers, hunt, etc. After his first competition, he goes to his mom, Can I be an Engineer? Next year he will start working toward a engineering degree. Just thinking about it I get goosebumps.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Two reasons...

Build a robot, change the world.

Where else can I dance the Macarena in front of a couple thousand people?

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

It makes a difference. I was an apprentice and in some ways this is even better. This is an example of the triumpth of innovation over mere repetition.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Wow... all I can say is wow. You guys are amazing, and have done amazing things, and I'm sure your teams remind you of that every day. Reading this thread has me super excited for the future, and while my past 4 years as a student have been great, I'm sure my next 4 as a mentor will be even better. Now to find a team... :)

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Because after a season of being both a student captain on one team and a mentor of another, I know which is more rewarding

Because six students are going to college because of a team that would never have come about if they hadn't asked for help.

Because I love my kids, even if some of them are my age. They make it worth it. They get it. They sacrifice and I would do anything for them.

Because my mentors passed the torch to me.

Because it's what I love and the right thing to do

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

Another one.

At our celebration party, the head coach of 4096, was giving a speech about how and why he's doing this. His voice started breaking up, but he wanted to say something along the lines of, the real reason he was doing this and his measure of success are how far the students on the team go to inspire others, like the collegiate mentors we have.

That was super touching, meant a lot and I completely agree. My fellow peers that mentor and do college are fricking amazing. It's soo inspiring to see a team that is mentored by people only a few years older than the members on the team.

So another reason, why I continue to be involved, is because of all of those that graduate their teams and high schools but never give up and continue to be involved in FIRST because it's a way of life. They just can't let go. I continue to be in FIRST because I have to.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

One more reason:

4/26/2012 @ 6:00 AM to 4/28/2012 @ 10:30 pm

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

when a student says "I hate school. I do not get inspired by school. But I am inspired by FIRST to do well in school, and to improve myself."

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

I continue in FIRST because I'm not looked down upon for not knowing how to do something, but held up because I want to learn.

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

This is one of the best posts I've ever read.

I will stay in FIRST as long as I have the ability to work with students like this. ^

Re: The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST
 

This is a great thread!

I continue to be in FIRST because I see how much the younger kids are getting out of this. I mentored FLL and VEX for the past few years, and have even convinced a large portion of them to join FRC when they can!

...because my FIRST experience and my team has shaped me.

...because I can't find a better way to spend my senior prom than watching 2 of my teams make it to nationals, [6th and 22nd] and hanging out with some of my greatest friends.

... because I had the happiest and saddest moment of my life all in about 1 minute. I cheered as my sister team made it to national level SF, then the saddest as I realize that it is my last time in FRC cheering on the robot I helped to build.

... because I know in 4 years, my team would be more than happy to take me back as a mentor :)

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...