[Karthik]

I decided to wait a few days after nationals to make this post, just so it wouldn't be overwhelmed by emotional state that I'm always led through at the end of competition season. Nevertheless, this message may still by overly wishy-washy.

The 2004 season was unlike any season I've ever been through in FIRST. It had to be. I was with a new team, and enlisted with new responsibilities. I'd been a mentor before, but this time it was different. No longer was I the kid who graduated a few year ago that's everyones buddy, rather I was the new adult who was in charge of the show.

From day one, I was viewed with some skepticism. I quickly learned that no one was going to respect me just because of my resume. (With good reason, I'm really not all that respectable at first glance...Good looking yes, respectable no) Respect as a mentor is earned. It's earned by putting your best foot forward. It's earned by guiding students, and listening to their ideas. I learned that no matter how sure I am that I know the right answer, it's always worth listening to the other options.

I learned that it's not easy to be a mentor and friend at the same time. I also learned that it's not impossible either. It takes some work. But trust me, it's worth it.

I learned that losing isn't always the worst thing. I was completely heartbroken when we lost in the finals of the Canadian Regional. It showed on my face. I had a hard time even looking at my students and alliance partners. But having them come up to me and tell me that it didn't matter because they had accomplished so much, that was shocking. Then I realized that I needed to snap out of it. These kids were upset that we lost, but they knew it wasn't the end of the world. If they could be okay about losing, that meant I should be perfectly alright with it. Sure we all want to win, but in some sort of way, we all did.

(Someone please remind of this post the next time I get all sad over losing a regional, it will happen.)

In these past four months, the high school students I worked with became an integral part of my life. Not many of them will believe this, but I'm actually going to miss them. Seriously. =) I never knew that working with kids could be this rewarding. Seeing kids who had no prior interest in robotics, running around the Georgia Dome screaming their lungs out is the best feeling. Hearing rookie team members ask me questions about the 1999 game and FIRST history makes smile all over. I love this stuff.

These past four months really changed my life, and my perspective on things. Those of you out there who know me, know that there have been times in my life where I've been very unmotivated and aimless. That's all gone now. Seeing the spirit of these kids, brought back the spirit in me. (This is really going to sound like a bad after school special, sorry) I feel completely recharged, and ready to take on the world again. I began this season hoping to inspire others, and ended up being inspired myself. Now if that's not a testament to FIRST, then I don't know what is.

At the team party, a few kids from my team and few from other teams came up to me to thank me. They told me that I was a great mentor, and that they'd miss me. This feeling was better than any championship or award. I almost started crying. Hell, thinking about it now is making me all teary eyed. These memories will be carried next to my heart for the rest of my life.

Students, if you have the chance, go find a mentor who inspired you this year and go say thank you.

Mentors, if you have the chance, go find a student who inspired you this year and go say thank you.

It'll be special for both of you.

This post is way too long winded for my liking. I apologize. I guess I just needed to say some things. Really, I learned way more than I can express in an online forum.

Thanks to everyone who made this season special. You all know who you are.