I decided to attach the essay that I wrote for my college applications (keep in mind this is 6+ years ago, before I was a real engineer!!). So check that out.
In short, before I started FIRST, I was interested in science.. I wanted to become a glaciologist (I thought the idea of combining a job in science and being able to ski would be great!) But once FIRST came along, I realized that engineering was what I really wanted to do. It was a bit more tangible and would be a lot easier to get into. We had some great mentors (Thanks Dave, Rob, and Tom!!) So FIRST changed my outlook. It also changed me, in that I wanted to continue with FIRST on the mentor side, because I thought if I could inspire one student, be like the mentors I had to just one other student, it would all be worth it.
Enough story time. I will try to compile what facts and figures I have seen on hirings from the years back to 96. I know I got internships with HSSSI (team 175) for all three years I was in college, which was the same campus/division as my HS FIRST team 176. And I personally believe FIRST was a huge factor in me getting into Clarkson and getting a job at Harris Corp. I was able to easily discuss the engineering, teamwork and leadership skills that I had learned through FIRST in HS and college.
It also taught me that there was a lot more to HS & college than grades. While it was important to keep grades up, it is better to gain these skills and try to maintain a 3.something than it is to get 4.0's in every class. It taught me patience and to accept and learn from failure, instead of kicking myself for it. So I guess FIRST changed a lot of outlooks in my life!
