[delsaner]

FIRST has affected my career from many different perspectives (educationally, socially, and professionally), and all of these perspective can help provide an answer to your question.

Educationally:
As a freshman in high-school, I came in with mediocre motivation and one honors class, as well as having no idea what I wanted to do with my life. After four years, I graduated high school with tremendous interest in STEM, three passing AP scores, and admittance into a good college. From someone who had no idea, I became someone with a solid idea of what I want to do with my life, and I have FIRST to thank for that.

Socially:
All of my friends look at me awkwardly when I tell them that I hardly spoke during my younger years, and that was true. I did not have a tremendous amount of people skills. I was friendly with my friends, but meeting new people was awkward to me. All throughout my FIRST experience, I started doing some public speaking, and I ended up doing well despite my initial thoughts. I continued doing it, and eventually became a personable character. I enjoy company, and like meeting new people. I have made some great friends through FIRST as well. I love to have fun, but not to the extent of being unproductive.

Professionally:
Being on a FIRST team made me realize that great tasks can be achieved with the right motivation. Under such a time constraint, the right motivation will make the experience more fulfilling, as well as easier. Basically, FIRST gave me a phenomenal work ethic. From delegation, understanding constraints and acting appropriately, public speaking, organization, leadership, and much much more, I am now able to implement all of these traits into my life (probably at a much greater magnitude than if I was not a part of FIRST).

Forgive me if this entire post sounds like gloating, but I would just like to emphasize how much FIRST has benefited me. I can honestly I do not know where I would be without FIRST.

Hope this helps Andrew. Good luck with project!