[Karthik]

There are so many amazing aspects about FIRST, that picking one to write about was challenge in itself. What I find to be the most unique aspect is how the competition always remains friendly.

FIRST may be the only venue, where there is intense competition that never leaves the field. The natural comparison is with sports. Anyone who's been to any sort of high school sports tournament can cleary recognize this. At the end of games, teams grudgingly shake hands, and walk away with a lot of resentment for their opponents.

At FIRST competitions, it's totally different. Not only to the teams not resent each other, rather they grow to appreciate each other. In 1998, my first competition, I was left with my jaw on the floor after the first practice day. I saw engineers leave their own teams to go and help get their future opponents up and running. They were giving out design and strategy tips. Can you really see that happening anywhere else.

I'm not sure how Dean, Woodie and company have created this wonderful atmosphere, but it's a refreshing change from the rest of the world.

Everyone who's down in Florida right now, should stop and take notice of the friendly environment, and think about who special it is. Kind of nice, Eh?

- Karthik Kanagasabapathy (Go Team 188)