[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by sgreco

Let's not lose sight of the point of this program. FIRST is meant to inspire. If kids feel involved by their own standards, that's a solid step in the direction of inspiration. All this survey did was ask if they felt involved, and it seems that most students do. Being inspired has nothing to do with standards of involvement set by people on these forums.

I often think of 2 Seniors on our team that joined so it would look good on their college applications. We compete in BEST in the fall and made it to what was then, state - so they had 2 great awesome competitions under their belt before we got to the FRC season. On our lunch break at state, one of the Seniors was kicking a can through the grass and I could see that he was grumpy. We were doing well/having a great time so I caught up with him to see what was going on. Quite simply, the can that he was kicking was himself. He was realizing the value of being a part of the robotics team and how it was inspiring him in ways that he never realized would happen. It wasn't just the robot - it was the sense of being a part of something important. It was also the first time that he felt that he really was a member of a team and it blew him away. He also said that the other Senior had come onto the team with the same selfish shallow attitude and was just as affected and overwhelmed by the experience as he was.

This is only one story of many that I have that starts with something as simple as a slice of pizza or a college recommendation and develops into something more valuable. The students who reply to the surveys know what inspires them. And - we may never know it or - find out years later. I do understand that some students just come for the fun and the food but, oftentimes, it becomes food for thought and surprises even them.
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To answer Akash's question, I would say they felt they were engaged in the process in some capacity.

Jane