[JaneYoung]

Hi all,

I'm very surprised that this thread has been resurrected and am happy about it. One reason is that I'm being contacted by students who are saying that this thread is helpful to them.

Since reading the thread again, I've been thinking about how much my respect has grown for students and mentors in how they do manage their time and set priorities. I've also grown to respect the decisions that some of the parents that I've known and spoken with have made. The decisions have usually had to do with the consequences that occur with failure to meet deadlines or turning in assignments. I've also been surprised by their responses to 'good enough'. What may be good enough for the student is not good enough for the project and the parents and teachers know that and enforce stated consequences. If the student is slacking, blowing off deadlines, and failing to turn in assignments - the consequences can be very serious and can be detrimental to the student and to the team and the team's performance.

Another thought I've had since creating this thread is about the challenges that may be new to students. If a student hasn't had to study because school was 'easy' and is now suddenly impacted by a challenging curriculum and poor study habits - that could possibly impact the student's methods of setting priorities and meeting them. As a consequence, the team will be impacted. I would encourage students who feel overwhelmed by the demands of the classes - to seek help from teachers, parents, advisors, and fellow classmates in how to study and prioritize. There's no shame in that. And be realistic in what you can do on the team and do well, based on the demands of your school work and other activities.

I've been continually inspired by the efforts and sacrifice of families in order that their child can be a part of such an incredible experience - working with mentors and coaches on a FIRST team. Part of those efforts include using tough love and saying no - when deadlines are missed and assignments aren't turned in. On the flip side, I've been disappointed when structure and expectations are not in place and the students don't get a clear sense of consequences, acting surprised when things don't go well or smoothly for themselves or for the team.

Those are some thoughts that have continued to develop since this thread was started several years ago. Bottom line... many of the students that I've known and worked with since 2007 are furthering their education or are working in career fields in areas of science and technology. All of those students cherish their time in FIRST and the lessons they have learned.

Jane