I'm technically still a student, so maybe I'm out of line posting here, but as a member of the team leadership the past two years I've really had a change of perspective on how FIRST impacts students. So here's why I plan to continue being a part of FIRST:
This was a Facebook post by a freshman member of our team:
"After the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition in Salt Lake City:
What I learned:
1. Robotics is worth far more than the fees, it is absolutely priceless.
2. There are significantly more girls in FIRST Robotics than I ever thought...
3. #### ######## is an awesome robot driver (and he was already boss anyway).
4. Looney Toons is slightly demented, especially on a bus full of teenagers.
5. Being a mascot is freaking AWESOME!
6. I've learned more in Robotics in less than one year than I have in 2 years of school.
7. ##### ###### is the BEST Safety Captain, even though she can be boss(y) sometimes...
8. ### ###### looks like a samurai with his hair tied back.
9. Our robot wasn't the best?!
10. Being on a bus for 7 hours can be REALLY fun with so many awesome people.
Comments:
1. I wouldn't miss next year's regional for ANYTHING!
2. Dean Klein totally deserved the Woodie Flowers award!
3. The DJ at the competition was awesome! Playing stuff like Skrillex, Daft Punk, Numa Numa, etc.
4. Going to the competition was THE MOST FUN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!
5. EVERYBODY needs to check out robotics next year!
6. I am totally content with where we placed, even though we aren't going to nationals. I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL get there next year.
7. FIRST is the coolest!
8. #### ########, ##### ####, ######### ####, #### ####### + ##### ####### NEED to join Robotics next year."
Seeing new members grow and become excited about FIRST, STEM and teamwork is a truly amazing experience. After winning the RCA last year in Utah, and watching my team rush down to the field, I realized that FIRST wasn't about the robot, engineering, the build season, or even the Chairman's award, but about learning, teamwork, and becoming passionate about a project that you design from the start. I know the effect that mentors have on the students, and if I can be half what any of our mentors have been throughout my four years of FIRST, then I'll be more than satisfied with what I've done to help my future students.