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Unread 17-05-2004, 14:51
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MikeDubreuil MikeDubreuil is offline
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Re: FIRST - Reason for existance

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Schuff
I think if you want to understand the reason for FIRST’s existence you need to look more at the big picture. All of the little things like keeping America on the cutting edge or inspiring our young people or filling jobs from within are all great goals but what is the ultimate goal? My view is that, whether we believe it or not, FIRST has the ability to impact entire societies, and even the whole world. Pie in the sky? Maybe – but we all need to dream and DREAM BIG!
I agree 110 percent. FIRST has the ability to change the world. However, I have an issue with the semantics of the situation.

In FIRST, your primary goal is to build a robot; with intended consequences, such as positively changing lives. Dean Kamen's vision for FIRST is to bolster America's tech companies, which will create technology that will have the intended consequence of bettering lives all over the world.

Currently FIRST and Kamen's visions...are blurry. In the press, FIRST claims how they are looking to better the world; in speeches, Kamen's focus is the US. I don't think you can simply dismiss them as separate identities since he is the founder and the most influential member on the board of directors.

EDIT:
I also don't see how FIRST is really going international. Sure, there are teams from other countries participating. And those mentors who represent those countries are providing great experiences and opurtunities for their students. However, there isn't a single member on the board of directors who represents another country.
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Last edited by MikeDubreuil : 17-05-2004 at 14:56.
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