[Sam390250]

In the interest of not creating a break in my FIRST record, and the fact that I still had family on the team/go to school very close by, I jumped right back as a mentor my freshmen year of college.

Whether that was the right decision or not is only for my future self to decide, but investing in those on the team who I had previously been a lead for gives me great joy. Seeing how those who were freshmen on the team and will shortly be seniors have blossomed continues to bring me back. Seeing those adults who were my mentors need to step back for health or personal reasons makes me feel the need to step up even further.

I have certainly not restricted myself to participating only in FIRST in college (nor was this true in high school), but as an organization that impacted me greater than anything else, I feel it gets priority in my life. I owe everything I am today from my LEGO League coaches, my experiences mentoring, judging, reffing, and my FRC mentors. Not paying it back when I am able just seems like a travesty.

Mentoring during college has been one of the most draining and insane things I have attempted to do. I have had some of the worst nights directly result from that time commitment. But really, it isn't a choice I make. There is no choice, it is and always will be a part of me and it is just something I do.