[Franchesca]

I agree with Daniel from team # 192:

I look at these wealthy teams (delphi, wildstang, etc.) and I see a goal, not a threat. It gives us something to work towards, because one day, I want to be able to have a team that CAN go to multiple regionals like Delphi or Wildstang.

For our team winning the Peachtree Regional was almost unreal (being our first year and all). However, when we got to the Championships, obviously being quite different than the regionals, we didn't do as well as some people in the team would've liked but still we did ok. I know that after doing so well in the Regional and because of some complications at the Championships ... most of us were a bit disappointed because we felt like we could do better than what we did.

Ultimately, though, being able to go to the Championships our first year was quite an experience for us and it gave us (or at least me) a renewed goal. When you go the competitions and you see all these amazing teams (the "big budget teams") its not just about how many competitions they go to, to me every aspect of these veteran teams is something that I think my team can look up to and aspire to be like that. I left Atlanta with a desire to do everything that I can for my team so that we can also perform at the same level that these teams do. I can honestly say that "big budget teams" present a goal rather than a threat. And thankfully, this year we can also go to more than one regional!!

Great discussion! Good points on both sides!