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Originally Posted by Andy Grady
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When all was said and done, I did not see a single quote in my Facebook feed about anything that Woodie said. I did not even know who the WFA winner was, I had to look it up! I saw exactly one post with a link about Dean's homework, that was it.
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I think I have an idea why this might be the case. When I first heard Dean and Woodie speak, as a freshman in high school, I was really impressed with what they had to say. I felt empowered, I felt that what I was doing through FIRST could make a difference in my life and the lives others, and I still hold this sentiment to be true today. However, after a few years, it seems like when they speak, they don't say anything that they haven't said before.
Nobody quotes the newest speech by Dean or Woodie because we heard the same words the last time they spoke. This isn't supposed to be a dig at them, it is just a consequence of them speaking at FIRST events for 25+ years. I think the reason that Will.I.Am's words resonate so loudly with the community is that they offer a fresh take from a different perspective, but Will.I.Am and Dean/Woodie are talking about the same thing, a program that they are obviously very passionate about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Grady
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My point is, let the moment be the moment. Let all of those people who were in attendance take it for what it was, an expression meant to elicit emotion. Going forward, however, think hard about the message that YOU want to carry to future generations, sponsors, and media.
Instead of a catch phrase laced with a little profanity, maybe we should be highlighting the success stories of thousands upon thousands of products of FIRST on our t-shirts.
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Andy, you're right, and I haven't heard any recent Woodie or Dean quotes either. This is where I think we can focus our efforts as a community. Woodie and Dean will continue to make great speeches, and that is great. If it's the first or second time you've heard them speak, then you'll be hearing something new. But if we want to keep the stories we tell fresh, new, and exciting (something somebody will quote on Facebook, for example), then we need to make a concerted effort to find new perspectives on FIRST from all members of our community. We need to hear personal stories of inspiration, triumph, and even sometimes failure. And we need to hear it from everyone; Dean, Woodie, Frank, students, mentors, parents, volunteers, spectators, and everyone who has been involved in or exposed to FIRST.
Some of the best stories I've heard about FIRST are ones where a parent was moved to tears when she saw her typically-introverted son dancing with all the mascots at competition, being outgoing and more expressive than she had ever seen, or when a student who had no academic drive decides that a STEM career might be for them (And there are many more). We all have heard great stories about how FIRST has changed lives, and we all have our own to share.
If we want to continue to spread the message of FIRST, then we need to continue to seek out and highlight the countless wonderful stories and moments that FIRST makes happen, and Will.I.Am's visceral, candid, and passionate comment on Einstein is just one of these fantastic, inspiring moments.