[BlueLipstick]

Besides our initial recruitment meeting where the commitment of time and energy is stressed, we interview all our applicants and require written paragraphs to accompany these interviews. Usually the writing deters anyone who's not in it for the long haul, but we do see some students drop out as build season approaches. Throughout the season, grade checks keep unmotivated students from competing. Volunteer work is another integral part of our traveling expectations, so students who are generally not willing to put in the work will not come to competitions. A lot of times students who don't attend competitions never get fully invested in the program, and leave. The key is giving the students opportunities to earn their keep without forcing them.

In the end, you get out of FIRST what you put in.