[Swampdude]

Every year I get to do this, there's a student or two that I watch engage in creativity and get excited about building something cool, and wanting more. It all reminds me of when I was a kid and used to tear everything apart and construct whatever I could. Learning like this is unequaled in our society. To be a part of that, and to help them in it is an honor. Though as mentors we may not be perfect or even suited for it, regardless the students themselves benefit from the shear scale and nature of this event/process and the environment we create for them.
That said Tytus really reminds me of how I was. He can't get enough and isn't hindered by anything (which was dangerous in the beginning). He's matured drastically since he started. I remember the first meeting he came to. He was frantic and wirey whizzing around a video game, not paying attention. But as soon as we got his hands dirty, he was scarred for life. At first I was afraid to leave him alone, now I have a great amount of confidence in him. He's really turned out great, and I'm very proud of him, he's going to be a contributor.
Also I've grown very fond of Amanda. She's such a great kid. From day one she's been as helpful as she could be. She's always been productive and focused. She's wanted to learn about everything, and it only took once to explain anything to her. She's very careful and skilled with her hands and puts quality into everything she does. She's also valedictorian of her school so that's testament to her character.
Fairly speaking I could go on about many kids, there really are a lot that I'm glad to have met. Many have graduated and gone to other things, but all seem to check back in and we get to see them. I hope FIRST and 179 live on to tell more stories like these. Thanks FIRST and Thanks to all the folks who plug in!