[Allison K]

Originally Posted by Laaba 80

I actually had the complete opposite experience. I spent 9 years as a student hearing how far ahead FIRST was putting me, and I started to believe it. Once I got to college I realized I wasn't ahead at all.

A new mentor (no prior FIRST experience) pointed this out almost immediately after becoming involved in the program and I was a bit flabbergasted that I had never noticed. It's shocking how often the message in speeches is "FIRST kids are special because they are in FIRST" and not "FIRST kids are special because they work hard" or some variation on the value of work ethic. Since that was pointed out to me I've been very careful with how I word messages to my students to make sure that I'm emphasizing that on our team we value working hard, not just having FIRST on a resume.