This documentary is amazing. I think it is the single best glimpse inside the world of FIRST that I've seen. The story-telling is fantastic. The teams they follow are all perfect role-models to highlight, and they showcase their experiences in a compelling way.
I got goosebumps several times while watching. During the "climax moment" I even found myself rooting for Team 118 to advance (which is
a little weird given the circumstances.)
I liked how they successfully showcased our values, the core relationships between mentors and students, the "engineers as rockstars, teachers as heroes" aspects of the program while balancing in "the overall mission". They did all that, and still included emotional hooks which showcase FRC as a "sport"? Impressive.
Maybe I'm just partial, because of my personal ties to some of the teams shown, and emotional involvement in a few of those moments. I think they captured the emotional roller-coaster that comes from the experience. It was heart-breaking watching Adam and Travis after the QF. It was incredible watching 118 and 1678 wait for (and celebrate) the score in SF6.
If this video has HALF the effect on others that it has on me, it is a BIG win.
I hope FIRST / AT&T / whoever continues to make videos of this type & quality. This is the kind of coverage which will help FIRST achieve ubiquity and truly achieve culture change.
Everyone should take the time to watch it, and also to promote it to others. Show this to anyone who you want to understand the power & impact of competition robotics programs.
-John
PS - Mason is making us all look bad in comparison. Way to represent! "I build space robots blah blah blah... Look at my beard blah blah blah... Win World Championship blah blah blah... Life changing outcomes for kids blah blah blah..."