[Amanda M]

FIRST has been a way of life to me for three years now.

I have learned that even a junior in High School has the ability to be successful in changing the world. They have the ability to reach out to other people and inspire them to do great things. They can reach out to both younger and older generations.

This is going to sound dumb, but everytime I hear what teams have done for a Chairman's Award, I start to get teary. It amazes me. These are kids MY AGE doing things that most adults don't do because they don't know where or how to start.

I've met some of my best friends through FIRST. The students that participate in this program are awesome, wonderful kids. I look up to them, and hold them in high respect for their ability to make a difference.

I've learned to help others when they are down. It kills me to go to a softball game and hear the other team heckling mine as they win. In FIRST I don't see that. I see kids helping one another in pits, in scouting, on this Forum. They are just brimming with Gracious Professionalism, and even though I don't know them, I am proud to be associated with them.

I have been transformed by this program. And I know that there are ups and downs, winners and losers, but in FIRST all that really matters is how you grow from the experience. Its not really a robotics competition. The robots are merely vehicles used to make society a better place, and to inspire the youth of the world to help one another, and to become more united.




Amanda