[katiyeh07]

I'm a 16 year veteran of FIRST and I'm posting this on my lunch break from an elementary school art classroom.

FIRST does produce students that go into STEM (obviously) but I've always known there's a strong population of people that benefit from the program and go into different fields, like myself.

The program inspired me to want to work with people and students in a way where creative problem solving and working hands on would be constantly happening.

Just as much as we need scientists and engineers to solve problems we have going on in this world we need new, dedicated and enthusiastic educators that will rejuvenate our youth and get them learning hands on. Students get so much screen time and testing preparation that they're hungry for a hands on learning experience where they use tools and get to explore creative problem solving. For me, FIRST was a way of doing that and now as an art teacher I am able to provide that type of quality learning and exploration experience on a daily basis to my students.

I think sometimes the non STEM path of students involved in FIRST is overlooked, but understandably to an extent because of the intent of the program is to get students interested in science and technology. But to all of you non STEM career pursuant out there, I'd be interested to hear what you're doing/what made you decide to take the path you did.