[Navid Shafa]

Personally, I am happy that my local network has expanded. Over the last few years, I have gotten to know more people in FIRST, and the last two years, the PNW in specific. Keeping in touch with those teams and their mentors/coaches is valuable. It's nice to hear what other teams are doing and hear other people's opinions on hot community topics.

I'm also really happy with our new show and where we've gone with it. It's been a lot of fun this season. I enjoy the fact that I get to hang with my friends and chat as usual, but that we have found a way to do so in a manner that gives back to the community.

Most importantly, this year I grew a lot as a mentor. The end result of what we are trying to accomplish is often irrelevant. I felt like I did a better job of listening and asking questions. It is more rewarding to direct people to a solution, nudge them along the way or help them identify the tools they need to be successful. Due to that, I feel much closer to a handful of the students I worked with. I hope they feel the same way, because in the end this is what it's all about. If we don't have a meaningful impact on our community, team and students, if we fail to convey our passion and illicit inspiration then none of what we do has purpose. It is really difficult to inspire someone, I don't think there is any hard-defined process, but I hope that I can say I did.

*Another 4 Banner season was a bonus, but not the highlight.*