[Amanda Morrison]

While FIRST's main mission is to create an environment that promotes lifelong learning, many times friendships and relationships between students, mentors, and families are formed. Some of these friendships have lasted throughout FIRST's history; meanwhile, some have just begun. Although last week M.'s question dealt with the discrimination some have experienced, FIRST's environment is generally aimed to be warm, friendly place to be.

Question of the Week 05-11-03: What kind of friendships and relationships have you forged through FIRST with other teams, mentors, and students? What kind of impact do these have on your life, whether you are actively involved with FIRST or not? Do you believe FIRST's general atmosphere is geared toward cultivating these relationships?

Viewing ChiefDelphi, the Indiana FIRST Forum, and others, I can see that many people are familiar with each other in the program and have come to rely on these people in their everyday lives. The gap bridging the path between 'in-FIRST friends' and 'out of-FIRST friends' seems to have burned long ago.

Please keep this as a tasteful thread and remember that I'm asking about your friends and FIRST, and not simply opening up a thread to give 'shout-outs'.

P.S. - M. asked me to take over this week while she attends PARC. She will be returning next week.