Quote:
Originally posted by Ken L
Believe it or not, when we register for this forum, and posted the first word in one of the forums, we took on a little of the responsibility of showing others what’s the right thing to say. Lots and lots of viewers who come in here to read the forum look up to us for good ideas and data, because when we started showing our voices in the FIRST community in the forum/chatroom, we became sort of a role model, for newer members to come in and see, what’s the proper way to have intellectual discussions about something we are really excited about. The newer members look at what’s posted/said in the forum/chatroom to see how people are supposed to expression opinions and communicate. In a way, we are all teachers from the beginning we stop being a reader and start being a poster.
It is an important task we are taking on right now, whether you realize it or not. The subtle ways in which we express ourselves form a voice in the FIRST community that others look up to and learn from.
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To me FIRST is a microcosm of real life. There are difficult people everywhere. Each person learns about Gracious Professionalism or not at their own pace. I certainly learned from others' examples in my life outside of FIRST, and now inside of FIRST. Life can swing back and forth, and so can the Gracious Professionalism displayed on the forums. I am in control of myself. I can practice Gracious Professionalism myself, no matter what others around me do or say.
My daughter, captain of our team, keeps remarking that our team hasn't had ANY fights this year. A HUGE improvement over last year. The improvements were a process, not an arrival at a sudden destination of Gracious Professionalism. We can continue that process on these forums, even thru the appearance of backward steps.
I in particular have experienced this year the FIRST camaraderie and Gracious Professionalism I'd heard about from teams other than our own. I'm experiencing a better experience in FIRST than our family experienced last year. *shrug* I'm not experiencing the negativity that others are experiencing and expressing on this thread. I'm very grateful for the difference FIRST makes in our family's life.