[rhinobot]

I wasn't going to comment either, however I am frankly quite upset reading all these comments. As a first year mentor of a rookie team I have been able to work closely with students and teach them the skills they need to succeed in FIRST. Without mentors students would not be able to compete/would compete very poorly, as at first they lack the necessary skills. Much like my first year. 3 years ago I was a rookie student and we had little mentor guidance, it was terrible as none of us knew what we were doing, and in the end I was the only one that carried on with robotics after that year (with another team, due to no teacher support with the old team). I am blessed to have been able to teach these students and it makes me feel great knowing I have taught them something new that will benefit them in the long run. I know that veteran teams have very experienced students within them, in this situation yes, the students are self sufficient....but everyone does need guidance and often a push in the right direction, which mentors can provide. I have also had experience with a mentor that was too involved, its hard to find a happy medium, every team has a different mentor:student ratio, and how they achieve that is whatever policy is in that teams handbook (if applicable). No two teams will be the same. However at the end of the day mentors make the FIRST experience, they allow the students to learn new skills, and most importantly be inspired. Win or lose on gameday, if your students are inspired and had a good time, thats a win in my books.