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Re: When did FIRST click to you?
FIRST took a while to click to me. Back in 2014, I heard about my school having a team, and I tried to be apart of it, but I was scared due to my lack of experience, that I would do more harm than good. At this time in my life, I was going through a lot with friends,family, depression, and not knowing what to do with my life.
I ended up not attending a majority of the meetings (I went to around 3 meetings in the off season, and 1 meeting right after build season). Later on that year, my friend told me that our team qualified for a spot at worlds. My parents pushed me to travel with them to st.Louis however, I didn't really want to go. I thought it would be weird since I did nothing the entire year, and now I'm just joining the team for the trip. I actually almost dropped out last minute, but thankfully my parents did not let me resign.
While on the road to st.Louis I had no idea what to expect, since I haven't even attended a regional, let alone travel to world championship. The moment I walked into the Edward Jones stadium, and saw the other teams pits and what they have been able to acomplish, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Walking around the pits was one of the most trilling experiences in my life. Ever since that day I promised myself that I will do whatever it takes to become an engineer.
After my experience at worlds, I fully joined the team (I joined halfway into week one of build 2015, since I was still scared to put myself out there. Eventually I had to force myself to go meetings to get rid of this fear). I knew that if I want to help out with the robotics team that I would need to try my hardest. I started off by doing any work anyone gave me, and I did it to the best of my ability. Finally I gained trust with the mentors on my team, and they decided to put me on the drive team due to the amount of hard work I put in that season. (Kinda funny since I joined the team a bit late.)
Ever since my experience at worlds in 2014, I was able to do the following, due to FIRST:
• Learn how to get rid of the fear that was holding me back from my true potential.
• Build a robot for the 2015 challenge.
• Become team captain for Team 3161.
• Learn How to CAD in Solid works.
• Organise team events to raise money, and promote our team.
• Design and build the majority of our 2016 robot.
• Grow strong relationships with amazing people, mentors and other teams.
• Become a Deans list semi finalist.
FIRST has become on of the most important things in my life. So many people have guided me along this path, and for them I am truly grateful. I am personally so proud of what I have become, and I now look forward to inspiring other people to take part in FIRST.
Paulius Pace
Team 3161
"Be proud of our achievements, but don't stop there. We're heading towards the future, not the past."- Chris Hadfield
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