Isn't the Point of FIRST?
 

Everyone,
Isn't the point of FIRST to get more people inspired and motivated to do more with science and technology? I really don't see why there should be a limit on how many people can go to a competition or nats, because within the FIRST community you can always get help. Plus you can always get more sponsors! Personally I think everyone should be able to go as long as they have earned the right to travel and represent the team, their school, and FIRST with a positive attitude. But that is just my taking on the matter...


Bill

Everyone of the kids who earn the right to travel gets to travel. The adults can travel as well if they have the time to take off from work. So far the financial part of the whole equation has never been a problem but we also only go to one regional and the nats.
I am amazed when some teams can go to numerous regionals, the nationals and off-season competitions.
Wilson would have a hissy-fit if we kept taking the kids out of class that often and most of the adults don't have enough vacation time to chaperon (we certainly are not going to let the kids do it alone). I wonder: how do they do it?

Everyone on 88 must raise $650 in order to travel through fundraising. There are mulitiple ways of doing this such as candy bars and small business donations to walk-a-thons. Usually there are around 40+ students that travel with about 5 or more alumni and then 7 coaches with some parents. This travel team goes to each regional Manchester, and Jersey as for Nats this year I'm not sure on the situation yet cuse we are not qualified as of now. However, if we do I'm not sure who is going to be traveling whether it be a the whole team or a skelton crew.

If the school picks up the tab or the team, then only a few of the best should go. But if the kids are paying, all should go (if they pay.) I find it rude and disrespectful if the slacker that plays video games the whole time will have to go if I want to go and I work.

I have never been on a team where everyone was allowed to travel to nationals. Not only were there financial constraints, but only the students who worked hard on the robot and who represented the team well should be allowed to go. It's true, it is unfair to let the student who didn't participate constructively to travel. It almost goes to show that they only reason that they are in FIRST is to go to nationals.

I say these to the students who I mentor now; 'if you want to travel, hire a travel agent and leave this room. If you want to build a robot you can be proud of, stay with us. I'll respect you all the more if you stick around and try to learn something.'

It is unfortunate when all the students who work hard on the team are unable to go, this is when you should seek more financial help. Travelling is a reward, but it should never be the reason for participating.

ByE

erin

our team is pretty well off too... we only haveto pay $150 at the beginning of the year but we can lower it with fundraising... last year i only had 2 pay $85...

the $150 activity fee covers everything... this year we are goin to three regoinals and nationals (hopefully)... and last year we went to two and nats... but this year we haveto take a bus instead of fly... that kinda sukz... owell... cya in cleveland, pitt, and canada!!