[Al Skierkiewicz]

Eric,
Speaking from the mentor side, I am not expecting thanks but it is great when it comes. There is no big, tangible payoff being a volunteer in any group but there is a payoff just the same. In Eagle Scout ceremonies there is usually a referenece to "today being payday". That reference means that as adult volunteers we see a young man reach a goal he set for himself sometimes years earlier. In FIRST, my payoff comes when a student tells me she has picked out a college to attend or he is returning to the team next year. There is payoff in something as little as a student picking up a soldering iron or drill and use it for the first time. Payday occurs for me almost every day, whether it is just that little glimmer of understanding starting to pop through or a parent staring in wonder as their child wields a pop rivet tool like a pro. Big paydays occur at regionals and nationals when pit crew has become so confidant in what they are able to do, mentors can walk away and meet other teams and help where needed. It is that beaming smile when students from a different team come and present a special team award to our students. Payday comes when a mentored student can discuss in technical terms, robot function with members of other teams or when a student asks me to go look at team XXX because they have such a great looking robot.