UFH: Ken Leung
 

Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Ken Leung.



Name: Ken Leung
Date Honored: 01-14-2004
Years involved w/FIRST: 6
FIRST Team(s): PDI Dreamworks/SRI International/A Better Mousetrap Machining/OutBack Manufacturing &, Woodside High School &, Carlmont High School (0100), Roku &, Gunn High School (0192), The Sea Dawgs (0258), Rambots (0419)
Role: WRRF member, College mentor
Quote: You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. – R. Buckminster Fuller
Bio: Ken Leung is a well known member of the ChiefDelphi Forums, the WRRF, and FIRST Robotics as a whole. A scorekeeper for California regionals, winner of the Volunteer Award, and even organizer of the CalGames, it seems as though Ken rarely has time to sit down. Still, he rarely takes the credit for all of his accomplishments: "Whether it’s mentoring a team, or running an off season competition, or volunteering at a competition, I wouldn’t have been able to do them without everyone else involved. Those, I see as accomplishments of the community. It’s the effort of participants that make them possible, I am proud of being a part of them."

Ken hails from Palo Alto, California, and has been involved in FIRST for six years. Unlike many robotics students, Ken came from a different background that made it hard for him to immediately adjust. "I started out as one of those kids who are in everyone’s way. I had absolutely no idea what a wrench is, much less a 130 lbs robot. What made it worse was I spoke very little English as a 3rd year immigrant from Hong Kong. I almost quit the team because I didn’t get along with my group leader. But I found my way around the machine shop and became good with the tools, and played a major role in building the 2000 robot." Ken was one of the operators of the Gunn Robotics Team's 2000 robot, and decided to stick with FIRST through college. "I became a college mentor after I graduated high school, and volunteered at competitions as inspector. Now I am the event manager of WRRF’s California Robot Games, and scorekeeper for some California Regionals. Three things that changed my role in FIRST: found out about www.chiefdelphi.com from GRT’s student leader Daniel Lehrbaum, got to know GRT’s engineer Ken Krieger and went to Manchester kickoff with him at 2001, and joined WRRF. Since then, I found myself making a lot of friends, volunteering at competitions, and doing something I feel is important."

While many consider awards and medals their accomplishments, Ken has different ideas. "Some would consider winning Volunteer award and running a successful off-season big accomplishments, but my biggest accomplishment in FIRST is overcoming my fears. As many know, I came here from Hong Kong in '95. I was very anti-social and quiet because of my language skills (or the lack of them), and I feared interacting with people. I had no goals in life. I didn’t care about anything. The Gunn Robotics Team and FIRST changed all that. Every single person I met in the team and at competition taught me that there are wonderful people out there. All the things I heard or read told me there is more to life than watching TV or playing video games. I learned that I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it. That’s my personal accomplishments in FIRST."

Ken gave us two very monumental memories in his FIRST career. "The night before Manchester kickoff on Friday, after hanging out with the California coaches and Andy Baker, we went back to the Holiday Inn. It just so happens that Jason Morrella and Ken Krieger were sitting in the hotel lounge chatting about FIRST. I sat down next to them listening to every little thing Jason had to say about FIRST, its staff, and about different teams around the country. The whole time I didn’t say a thing, sat in my chair and stared at the floor, rocking back and forth listening to the amazing things Jason has to say. When we finally went back to our room, Ken said to me, “Sorry for boring you. You look like you were almost falling asleep there.” That whole time I thought to myself “WOW! I had NO IDEA this is so AMAZING! I’ve got to get addicted!” It was the first time I’ve decided I want to be part of something bigger than myself. To this day I still smile to myself about this little moment…"

Another touching team memory sticks in Ken's mind: "It was the last day of 6 weeks going back and forth between [the Gunn Robotics Team] and college. Around 3am before I had to leave for Berkeley that morning, I wanted to say good bye to the team so I gathered everyone together. Everyone knows my biggest weakness is public speaking, but I decided I had to do it anyway. I said to the team “I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing group these 6 weeks. This is such a wonderful experience, and I thank you for letting me be part of this team. Even though I won’t be seeing you guys for a while, I am extremely proud of what you did. I will never forget this. See you at competition!” The whole time I was sweating and shuddering, but what the team didn’t know was, I could barely stop myself from starting to cry. To this day, I'll never forget those 6 weeks with GRT."

Ken also believes in the future of FIRST. "Be yourself in FIRST. Just because it is a robotics competition, doesn’t mean you have to build the robot, win the competition, or go into engineering after high school. The most important part is spending your time doing something you believe in. Many times people don’t know what they want to do with their life, and best way to understand yourself is by participating in your life. FIRST is a great place that lets you experience your life. Constantly learn from your experience, open yourself to different area in this program, and observe the one you call “me” through challenges and difficulties. You might be amazed by what you find once you start looking."

Congratulations to honoree Ken Leung and his tireless contributions.

Nominated By: Rob Colatutto

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congrats Ken. You're definitely a FIRST hero. You were one of the first people I talked to from other teams back during the 2001 build period and competition season. Talking with you helped me overcome my fear of meeting new people. I've had many great conversations with you over the years, and you've helped me through quite a few problems. I'm really lucky to have you as a friend. Sorry if this is kind of disjointed, but I'm at a robotics meeting that I'm supposed to be running, but I wanted to be the first person to congratulate you. I'll probably edit this later with a funny story or something. You're awesome Ken! I'm really lucky that I get to see you so often, and other people across the country only get to see you once or twice a year.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congratulations to Ken Leung, our tenth Unsung FIRST Hero.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

I first met Ken, in Person, at this past IRI(Indiania Robotics Invational). Ken is just about the nicest guy that I have ever met. Period. He only sleeps four hours a night, and stays going all day. Ken congrats on winning this fine, fine award. See you at IRI, hopefully :D

-Aaron

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congrats Ken!! You have been one of my inspirations in FIRST since the beginning. Keep it up! :D

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

These forums wouldn't be as great as they are without the wisdom of Ken Leung.
Congrats, Ken.



i thought i fixed the bug causing this to show up early. hmmm.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken for President!!!!! :D

I was wondering when he would be nomianted for the UFH award.

Seriously though, Ken rules. California would be a very different place for FIRST teams if Ken wasnt around. Heck, all of FIRST would.

Working with Ken to plan up the Cal Games at my school this year really helped me realize how much he really does. You hear about all the things he does, but it doesnt really sink in until you actually work with him. We spent tons of time hammering out details, and that was just a fraction of everything he works on. I seriously wonder how he can handle everything without a mental breakdown of some sort :)

In 2002, Ken was on our team as a mentor. I still dont know how he managed to help 3 teams at once, since he was almost always right there working late with us! I learned many many things from him during countless hours in the machine shop late at night.

It was a real honor to work with Ken, who is a true role model for all of FIRST.

Cory

Every Pic of Ken Leung That I Own...Part One!
 

::drumroll.......:: And now, in congratulation for finally giving up and accepting the well-deserved UFH award, I bring you....EVERY SINGLE PIC OF KEN THAT I OWN!!! :D

Our first picture is of Ken trying....

...and getting flustered at DDR.

Again from Kickoff 2001, this is Ken & Robbio kicking the only piece of snow they saw that weekend.

This is on one of Dean's couches in his house...this and the next picture are framed on my wall, a gift from Ken for my b-day.

So, because of him, the infamous 'Antonwich' picture stays on my wall, one of the few FIRST-related things to actually stay in my dorm room.

More to come.....

Every Pic of Ken Leung That I Own...Part Two!
 

:D I feel like a proud mother showing off her pictures to strangers. :D

Know where this couch is? At FIRST Place...where a few hours later....

...Ken fell asleep, and later got yelled at for sleeping there. Hey, I dont blame him for sleeping, I would too after taking a flight from Hong Kong to CA and then the next morning hopping a plane to Manch-vegas! That's dedication!

These last two are at Nats, 2001. I don't remember what was going on in this picture...

...aaaand, thats it.

I haven't actually seen Ken since 2001, but we've kept in touch before that and ever since. I honestly don't remember when we first started talking, but through all of my changing feelings about FIRST and life in general, my friendship with him has always been steadfast. People say that I'm a voice of reason, but Ken is lightyears ahead of me.

Here's to a very intelligent, caring, and simply delightful person who has always been there for me. Before the next time I see you (which better be soon, my door at Babson is always open!), my Mom & I will be baking you dozens of cookies. :D

-Jessica B

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congratulations, Ken. You deserve it!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken, you rule you truly deserve it

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken,

You deserve every little bit of recognition you can get. Thank you for being a great competitor, and a great person!

-Andy Grady

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken always has something to add to a discussion :) Congrats, you deserve it!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken has been up for UFH since the very beggining of the program. After he talked me into accepting the honor, he promptly REFUSED to take it himself. This just goes to show the type of person Ken is.

His contributious to FIRST, and to the community are too numerous to list. The people in this program that he has positively influenced too numerous to imagine.

There would be no troubles in the world, if everyone was like Ken.

Thank you Ken Leung, for being the amazing person you are, and for everything you've done.

I'm glad to say you're my friend.


Ken-- You define the term UFH. Enjoy the honor, you CERTAINLY deserve it.

Friend of Ken L,
John


PS - You're famous buddy!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken, you're awesome.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Nice going Ken, you deserve lots of Honor in the FIRST World. Thank you for all you do for All of Us.

Inspiration to All
 

Ken,

You deserve this recognition. You are the reason I came out to Cal Games to be the MC. You are an inspiration to me, and more importantly, the whole FIRST community.

Congratulations,

Your Friend,

Paul

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congratulations, Ken! It was great to finally meet you this summer at IRI, as I've always admired and respected you. I'm glad to finally see you honored as a UFH; you've always deserved it in my mind.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Yay Ken! You are the hardest working FIRSTer I know. You've done so much for Cal Games, for workshops, for the WRRF in general, mentoring other teams, etc., etc., etc... Good job and well deserved.

Eric.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Thank you SO MUCH everyone! I am very touched by the replies I got. (well, except the pictures, some I didn't even know existed)

I am honored being in this wonderful community with the rest of you. Without the people in FIRST, I never would've stayed so long or care so much about something in my life. You are the best!

Now "enjoy" the 6 week build period. I look forward to all the competition this spring! I can't wait to score the matches and see the exciting robot action with this game!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Great job Ken! I met Ken for the first time at IRI this summer, and in 2 days... it was amazing what he had to say. Keep up the great work, and thanks for putting all your time and effort in... it definitly helps everyone.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Anyone who invites me to crash in thier hotel room is deffinately deserving of recognition. :) Ever since I started talking with Ken, I knew he deserved this honor.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken Leung is amazing.

He excels in a community where he might otherwise be considered an "outsider". Imagine leaving your home, travelling 1/2 way around the world, learning a new language, and becoming a leader within 5 years.

Of course, we all know that Ken runs the Cal Games, mentors many teams in No.Cal., and is a great help to many people in the FIRST community. You guys may not know this story:

The a very important role in running a FIRST competition is having a competent scorer. Everyone involved depends on this person; the referees, the teams, the announcers, the field managers... everyone. This past year, at IRI, Nate Smith could not make it down from Michigan. So, Ken rode in on his white horse from San Jose and saved the day. He worked two 14-hour days to help make IRI work. He had everyone nagging at him for things ("Ken, we need a finals match printout!", "Ken, the scoring box does not work!") and many people trying to help him out. He made things work and the IRI came off smoothly.

Ken is a good friend. He is dependable, honest and sincere. He is a great asset to FIRST.

Keep it up, Ken!

Andy B.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

When I saw the new UFH this morning, the first thing that came to mind was, "DUH!!!" Ken is perfect for this.

I remember the first time I met Ken, which is a memory I would rather forget in many ways. We just came off the field from winning our division at nationals and our robot was a mess. We had 1 hour to get it back to the pits, fix it, test it, and get it back to the stage. I was rushing our robot back to the pits to help explain the problems to the pit crew when Ken walks up and introduces himself. Needless to say that I was preoccupied with getting the robot fixed and I'm afraid that I didn't really give Ken the time and attention that he deserved. We introduced ourselves and exchanged pleasantries and all of that, but the conversation didn't progress much farther beyond that. I felt pretty bad about that afterward.

Thankfully, I got to sit down in a casual setting (the Omni Lounge) at last year's IRI and talk with Ken at length. He is a very smart guy, and his passion for FIRST is really unmatched by anyone I've met. He is definitely a benefit to the FIRST community.

Congratulations, Ken. You deserve it. Drop me a line if you're ever near Detroit.

-Chris

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

No story is complete without illustrations.. :)

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Well, I never nominated Ken because I figured it was only a matter of time before he is the next Woodie Flowers award winner.

Anyway, Ken your impact extends not only to the people that you help up in the Bay Area. Everyone on the west coast respects you tremendously. But not only that, you impact people from everywhere, by being a scorekeeper, or going to IRI, or to kickoff, or just you incredibly insightful posts on chiefdelphi.

PS...If I keep saying nice things about you, are you going to tell me your robot design for this year?

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

First met Ken in my and Big Mike's room at 2003 IRI. He's a great guy, and he does alot for FIRST. Great job, and congratulations!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

This guy should have been first for UFH. He is hands down the best example for what FIRST stands for and what anyone on these forms should want to be.

Congrats Ken.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Long overdue for this one... Ken is just awesome.

Congrats

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Heh.
Believe it or not -- I agree 100% with that one.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Hey Ken.. Congratulations!!


I'll post more when I have the time, but wanted to congratulate you, but also post that picture I have been holding out on!!

This is Ken sleeping at the Comedy Wharehouse in Downtown Disney during Nationals in 2002.
Oh, and if anybody else who was there that night would like to go into more detail about that night, feel free!!

Re:
 

:D So many pictures of Ken sleeping....

Oh man, that "college FIRST-ers" night was one of my favorite memories. The room was setup in tiers, and all of us spread ourself out so we made a semicircle that stretched around the room...and it just so happened that they took their volunteer for their opening improv-number from the girl on the end of our circle....and thus was created, a song about robots (including every robot cliche in the book :-P).

And funny, Elgin, I have a picture of you from that trip with you in about the exact same position...except your head is leaning on your dining tray on the plane :-P

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congrats To Ken, One Of The Hardest Working FIRST'ers On The West Coast.
:) :) :)

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Thanks everyone! You are the BEST! I am so touched by all the comments in here. You are awesome!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

you know your my hero
heart you lots :)
asher

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

yay for ken!!!

man, i remember the first time i met you. and i think, like chris, i'd like to forget it. i remember it was at pioneer, 2002, two days before the end of the build. pioneer was hosting a "scrimmage", and our robot was not yet up and running. we were working frantically on the robot, and i was finishing up some wiring, when someone mentioned you'd be coming. i was excited, and commented that i had never met you before diving into the robot again. i soon became frustrated with the 'bot, and snapped at a team mate when he tapped my shoulder.
"hey, this is ken."
there you were, crouched across the bot from me. i was quite embarassed.

it has been a pleasure to get to know you better over the past year or two. you continue to amaze me with your kindness, patience, and dedication to FIRST. i truly am glad to be able to count you among my friends.

now, my own picture of ken sleeping, taken kickoff day of this year :D

http://seadawgs.phpwebhosting.com/pi...ckoff_0009.jpg

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken,
Congratulations! You are truly one of those folks that holds up the high ideals of FIRST. You are a power house of promoting FIRST and getting others fired up over the program. Keep up the good work.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken,
I was honored to meet you and work with you at IRI 2003. You have taught me alot and have showed me so much. You mean so much to many of us and espically alot to me.. You have shown me that you can truely do whatever you want to do. I hope that i will beable to work with you in the future and that we all can hang out again. I am proud to be a friend of yours and that your allways welcome at my house.

And now i leave you with the most inspirational quote i have ever gotten in FIRST from the one and only Ken Leung!

"Either you can follow someone's shadow all the time, or you go out and do your own stuff and be someone's example"

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

My many congratulations to Ken. He is defently most deserving of this honor.

Ken Leung
 

Ken dosn't sleep ALL the time, he just needs proper motivation to be awake.

Ken, you can't refuse acolades if you keep being yourself. :p


Wetzel

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken is more alert when he is asleep than many people I know when they are awake! Congratulations Ken - you really deserve this (and no more bowing!)

-dave

Consider this: Ken Leung is awesome! Ken Leung plus Ashley Snodgrass is nearly pure energy! Ken Leung plus Ashley Snodgrass plus Steve Shade makes my head explode! That first picture is really scary!!!!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Erin, do you feel left out?
;)
John

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

:( yes, very much so (tear)

There's no love for New Englanders... no love at all.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congrats Ken. You should feel special, I'm off in no-internet land most of the time and I'm posting on here just to congratulate you. ;) Anyway, you rather deserve the award. Maybe you should take some time off now and get some more sleep?

I do seem to remember the college student FIRST night at Downtown Disney. My main memory of the comedy club is one of our group from 639 (and here goes my horrible memory for names) got picked on rather mercilessly by the improv group.

Matt

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

John and Erin -

Don't worry - I am saving something special for the two of you! :ahh:

-dave

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken,

Congrats, you are truely more insane than just about anyone else in this community, with maybe the exception of Dave. Your energy and dedication has helped expand the entire program in many ways, and your dedication to this community has shaped the changes that CD has gone through in the past 6 years.

Steve


PS. Dave: Can I be in on this?

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

[color=royal blue] wow... he aint even referin to me and i am afraid[/color]

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Its not even involving me and I'm scared. Does it involve sending both of them to Mars permanently? :p

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Hey, I wouldn't mind going to Mars ;)

Ken,

congradulations once again, I can't wait to see you at one of this year's competitions! You give guidance to the younger crowd and show them that despite how young you are, you can still accomplish a lot within the FIRST program.


ByE

erin


p.s. Am I catching up?!! :D

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

An eternity on Mars with Rapacki.

Ugh.

I think that falls under cruel and unusual.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

oh geeze... thanks

(nobody loves the New Englander)

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Think of it as a character building experience. Either that or an engineering challenge of how to get off Mars.

Matt

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

You know..you have a point there...no love for the New England people :(

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Thank you, Mike.

This is Ken's thread. Please keep it that way, or start another.

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken,

Congratulations - a well deserved honor!

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

KEN,
Congrats! (HO YEA! HO YEA! Chinese Phonics)

You are an amazing person and you desired this award.
I have never met you personally, but in the pass two years your postings on CD revealed an amazing transformation, more like a metamorphosis, from a HS student who is seeking knowledge and an answer to life to an enlightened FIRST Zen Master with incredible insight, intelligence and zest for life.

Your efforts with FIRST have set standards that very few can come close to.
YES, I envy YOU!

Someday….. when I grow up (mentally), I want to be just like you:
energetic,
unselfish,
knowledgeable,
wisdom beyond your years, and
amazing inside into the world around you.

And … a true FIRST Zen Master.

Someday… I will be like YOU.
(well… at lease I have the look!!!!!! lol)

An East Coast KEN Want-A-Be.
;) ;) ;)

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congrats to you Ken, you've put a lot of time & energy into FIRST & definitely show what this program can do for someone. You've given a lot back to the community 'cause you got so much out of it. I don't know how you do it on so little sleep, but I'm quite impressed.

Are you going to come out to the east coast any time in the near-ish future? ;)

Kate

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

In particular, which regional will you come to this year?
Annapolis or VCU? :)


Wetzel

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Congrats Ken!

You are truly a role model to all college student mentors involved in FIRST! I was fortunate enough to meet you last year at Astroworld. You are very easy to talk to, and it felt like I had met you before (probably due to your incredible presence on the forums). Maybe I'll see you again at an East Coast regional or in Atlanta. Keep up the First-a-Holic Spirit!

[offtopic]
Hey Erin atleast you were in the pic with Ken. What does that bring your CD pic total up to? You should keep count in your signature.
[/offtopic] //Sorry about that

Re: UFH: Ken Leung
 

Ken Leung! One of my FAVORITE people in the FIRST community! Ken did the scoring for us at last year's IRI and did an outstanding job. I got to know him well through the IRI and he is a definte standout! He's a good person and I'm happy I know him!