[Travis Hoffman]

What keeps me coming back?

Easiest question I ever had to answer - getting to work alongside the great students on Team 48. You kids keep me coming back for more every year.

I've known engineers who have justifiably contemplated not returning the next year because of all the added stress the FIRST program puts on their jobs and their personal lives, but ultimately, they decided to stick with it out of love for the program and the students on the team. Our kids have had that strong of an effect on people. I'm sure there are many other teams out there that have had similar experiences.

I've said this to my teammates in the past, but I think it applies to everyone in general - the students are the greatest asset the FIRST program has. I've invested in your futures, and as long as I continue to see you kids grow through your participation in FIRST, I will never stop investing in you. My personal rate of return is currently so high, I'd be foolish to even consider such a thing! :-)