Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph Smith
I know exactly what I'm missing out on during build season. A little bit of sleep, lots of time on Netflix and maybe some exercise. On the other hand, if I chose not to mentor, I would miss out on some of the greatest experiences of my life, and the opportunity to help new team members get as much out of the program as I did.
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That's great for you. (I'm not being sarcastic). It becomes pretty easy to be content with things you're comfortable with, and not everyone regrets missing out on more than just a few higher grades, sleep, and the occasional episode of House of Cards. However, most college mentors I've met (including myself) sort of regretted missing out on important relationships and occasions because they were so heavily invested in FRC. You would miss out on teaching that group of students who will maybe be on the team for 4 years, but new students will still be there for you to inspire and teach when you're done with college. FRC will always be there, but college doesn't always last too long. I'm not totally sure if me preaching that you can always experience those "greatest experiences" later on in FRC hits home.
Just remember how much more there is to college than academic life, sleep, and heck, even Netflix
. Every semester will pass by you quickly. I learned pretty quickly that, after a season of mentoring, you start regretting missing events and people because you didn't make time for them. As Chris said, there's people who are truly exceptional and can be incredibly well-rounded. They can have a meaningful college experience outside of the classroom, as well as outside of mentoring. I guess my point doesn't just pertain to students who want to mentor in college; this rings true for any college student. It's easy to mentor because it's an environment you're comfortable with and are happy with. You know you'll love it because you're passionate about it. Meeting a different variety of people and being involved in so much more than FIRST can be just as, if not more, meaningful to you if you give things a try. Being immersed in FIRST definitely becomes a part of who you are, but leave yourself space and time to explore new things you can identify yourself with.
As a legend once said:
