I would absolutely encourage you to take the path you are interested in taking. BUT I want to add some quick advice before I explain more.
I think one of the guiding values of FIRST is to explore and learn, and college is an amazing time to do so. I applaud your interest in continuing with FIRST and I hope you do. But make sure you try many and different things. There might be something out there that would be amazing to do WHILE you also do FIRST.
Ok. So the path of making an alumni assoc is a great idea. You should absolutely shoot to create an official student organization, looking at
TN Tech's manual (if this is the right one) you need to find at least 15 interested charter members.
So steps:
1. Create an informal group (maybe Facebook or maybe just friends) of 15 people.
2. Start volunteering with them or encourage them to volunteer OR just have gatherings
3. Start an association
3a. Read the manual
3b. Find a faculty advisor
3c. Consider partnering with FIRST organization in Tennessee
Steps to take to ensure "success":
- Recruit more members and do #2 with them
- As you get larger, look for funding from the school to host events - competitions or workshops or scrimmages
- Look to engage corporations, or foundations currently not engaged in FIRST
- Start building a mentorship program, where college students can connect with area FLL & FTC & FRC teams. If no FRC, then FTC, if no FTC then FLL
- MAINTAIN and BUILD your relationships. You're trying to build a network where your association is the center, so avoid burning bridges, always build.
Hope that can help you get started!
My exp - I helped start a similar organization at UIUC, although it morphed into something else.
Other resources -
Purdue FIRST &
GO FIRST
PM if you have any more questions.