Don't get me wrong here folks, FIRST is a great and inspirational program for both Students and Adults. I have shared many cool experiences and learned a lot about myself. I am very appreciative of the oppurtunity I was given 4 yrs ago to join this team. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. However, as an active and creative adult, I have other interests besides robotics that need just as much attention.
I donot have a wife or children of my own yet. Family adds a whole different set of responsibilities that I don't have to deal with. But having a Race car and a house to take care of is a lot of responsibility. It is hard to devote so much of my life to just one thing.
As young adults, it may be easier for most of you to juggle school and FIRST. However, if you also play a sport besides doing robotics, you will also understand the tuff chioices you have to make. In fact one of the students this year had to miss going to Texas because she had a soccer tournement at the same time. Unfortunately, we only have 24 hrs in any given day, and can only accomplish so much in that time. Ideally we should make the most of the time we are given here on Earth, but sometimes you can only do so much before you have to stop and take a break for a little bit. Besides as some old Greeks used to say about 2500 yrs ago, "Know thyself; and Moderation in all things" (little maxium I learned in Philosophy many moons ago).
Robotics is cool. Racecars are cool. Houses are cool and a necessity. Sports are cool. I could go on and on. There is so much to do in life, don't be afraid to try as many things as you can. And try not to over do it in one area. You don't want to ruin the pleasure you derive from it...
