I have definitely experienced a lot of proud moments this season.
1) The Day Before Rutgers - Getting quoted in our local Trenton Times. An article featured on page 3 about 1089 and their hard rookie season (which you can access from our website).
2) At the Rutgers Regional - We were the only rookie team to make it into semi-finals, to then be beaten by our mentors. We were second choice for a top alliance and part of a great 5th alliance (30, ourselves 1089, and 88). Even though we didn't win Rookie All-Star, our list of accomplishments is grand. My proudest moment, however, was when I heard Wayne Cokeley talking to the judges and saying, "I wish my team was this good when we were rookies."
3) At Rutgers - Getting the Chairman's Essay back with comments paper clipped on top, reading, "You are a great rookie team. You've got the right spirit, you truly understand what the meaning of FIRST is. You did the best with what you have and have really stepped up. Learning how to work as a team is the biggest part of the experience and you clearly 'got it.' Your submisssion was very impressive and shows that you are well on your way to being a Chairman's Award winner of the future." C'mon, tell me that wouldn't have made you smile proudly.
4) At Rutgers - Watching team 1156 (Brazil) win Rookie All-Star the first day and knowing that we spent hours the night before working with them on their autonomous code. Literally, we were working until we got kicked out of the building.
5)At Nationals in Texas - Being in Texas with team 25 was a great enough joy for me, but to be able to be there and actually be a part of 25 was something I never expected. Being able to go claim medals knowing that I actually did belong to this team was a great feeling. I know now that I'm not only close to my own team, but 25 as well. (I am coming back to visit you Cokeley!
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I have to thank FIRST and 1089 and 25 for everything they've given me this year. It's been wonderful, and I will back. In fact, I wouldn't miss it for the world.