[Joe Lambie]

When I originally joined my team many years ago it was an open process, anyone and everyone was welcome. For my time on my former team it provided a very diverse yet positive environment for the team. It provided a situation where all were placed as equals...no matter what your GPA, group of friends, jock, science geek, or even adult mentor. The only requirements were that you were a respectful person, got stuff done, and for the most part did not fail your classes. Toward the end of my time on the team there was some talk of starting an application process, however this was strongly opposed by many of us because in our eyes FIRST is about giving chances to those who right now may not be that well off in school. My thought is that by doing anything like that, you take the Inspiration out of FIRST. I have heard so many stories come out of this program about people who were on their last leg in high school and found this program, getting a second chance and eventually going on to win scholarships and recognition they never thought possible. If you take that chance away from someone just because they have some minor mess ups or a not so great GPA because they weren't inspired by the system, than the mission of FIRST has not been completed in my eyes. In the end, everyone has there own opinion, I just believe that everyone has the right to be given a chance in this program, and ultimately it is there own actions which will determine whether they can handle the trials and tribulations that go with FIRST.