I don't trust anyone in FIRST without taking a long, long time to evaluate someone and make informed decisions about their intent.

I used to be different. I used to give an implicit trust to people associated with FIRST because I felt that we really connected. I felt that we were all here for the benefit of one another, and in that sort of climate, it isn't unreasonable to have no expectation of people hurting one another.

I used to believe that participants in FIRST -- particularly those who're beyond high school -- were operating at some higher level; that they were driven toward creating a better world.

That simply isn't the case. The participants of FIRST, with particular focus on those beyond high school, ironically, are no better, no more intelligent, and no more exemplary than anyone else.

My life has been endangered by individuals within FIRST's hallowed halls on several occasions. The individuals involved have shared enormously private information about my life -- an action not unlike telling a stranger where someone lives and when they won't be home. It is, simply, outside the scope of relevant conversation among FIRST participants to be sharing this information under any circumstances.

The point is that bad things have happened and continue to happen in FIRST. There are people about who value their moral and personal agenda moreso than any person's life. There are people who's word is meaningless and hollow. There are people who, here among some of the most amazing individuals I've ever met, represent the lowest, most undesirable traits of humanity.

Be careful.

I personally have only seen great good come from the mentors and adults of FIRST teams. This is somewhat by chance I suppose and I am lucky. I feel that the change in policy to have background checks is a good step for FIRST. It will keep the program secure for everyone. I hope that everyone finds the small price to be negligible to the trust it ensures.

My sympathies to those who have had their trust broken.