Joseph:
Just because Napa is surrounded by vineyards doesn't mean each citizen owns one...Let me tell you, my family is so far from financially stable it's not even funny. Last year I got a job, and I paid my own way through robotics.
Usually the cost to Atlanta is made in 2 or 3 payments, so that makes it a little bit easier. We don't ask team parents for money, I don't like that idea very much...But extra fundraising (what a concept
) would be good to lower the cost of each individual.
thewizard16:
I never said that a person's financial status should limit their participation in FIRST. I know that if an individual is in need of help there are others willing to help. Most of the time the school helps out. I don't know how but some teams manage to fund raise enough so people don't have to pay much at all...
I fully understand what both of you are saying. I hope I didn't come across as some kind of snob. In all seriousness, I come from a very low-class family. But I work really hard to be able to participate in FIRST. I know that some people work harder than me, and I know that some people don't. I wasn't saying that the people on my team have money to spare. I was more trying to say that it is disappointing to see an entire team pass up a chance for Atlanta because of the price tag when there's even still time to fundraise. Meh.