[Patrick Wang]

Like many of the FIRST teams I have met, the people on Team 60 are human just like the rest of us.

I've had the opportunity to talk with many of their members, and they share the same experiences that many of our teams do.

I still find it odd that they should need feel ostrasized in any way, sometimes I think we let the competition get ahead of the vision of FIRST. I'll end up catching myself during competition wondering about some of the small things of competition, maybe a ruling that went the wrong way or the like.

Ultimately however, I think that the thing I look most forward to during competition is to meet people. Seeing people from all over the United States get together for one common goal, sharing experiences, knowledge and their ideas is what I see as the most magical thing about FIRST.

Talking to many of the teams, I find that we have more in common than meets the eye. Between rounds I have tried to make it a job of mine to meet all the teams and simply chat.

I know that this post will not simply end the issue, but what my hope is, is that those teams who frequent these boards will take a stance and rectify this ironic misconception.

Best wishes to all your teams,

I look forward to meeting many new people in Florida, and I also hope to see many familiar faces.