I joined FIRST originally because my father was the team's faculty advisor. I would go with him to meetings and events because it meant more time spent with my Dad. That and, I'll admit, I had a bit of a crush on the team's human player (despite the fact he was a good five years older..haha).
Once I entered high school, I really didn't want to stay active in FIRST. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't think I would have the time (I was also on quiz bowl and in the band). One of my best friends encouraged me to stay active and I listened. Bryce, thank you for that (one again)!
FIRST really changed thigns for me. I joined SPAM at the very beginning, so I saw the team grow from about ten students to the huge size it's now achieved. All of the engineers who have come and gone (and people like Dillard and Warren who are too insane to leave) taught me so much. I saw first-hand how much fun engineering and math can be. I knew I loved science (my dad's a bio/chem teacher), but had no clue that I could be good at math and technology! And that anyone would ever let a girl wire a robot!!
I worked on all sorts of PR sort of things my Fresh/Soph year of high school than transitioned more into the technical side the next two years.
These last two years I didn't work with a team (no teams within two hours that would allow college students to help out) but helped out at the LA and Finger Lakes Regionals and the Championship. Next year I'm working to start a team at my new school (Cal Poly Pomona) which is going to bring up all sort of challenges.
I'm very lucky to come from a rather organized team. I know I'll be counting on my mentors back at my home team for all sorts of advice along the way.
- Angela
PS
To Warren/Dillard/Eric/Bill/Mrs. Cary: Thank you for all of your hard work, especially during those difficult first years (remember 2000, when we had to move shop three times in six weeks??). I owe you all so much!