[Arefin Bari]

I just got back home. Its very late at night, but I do want to post in this thread before I crash.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who was at IRI for a GREAT weekend. I was warm welcomed by Chris Fultz when I reached the school Thursday night. The journey started off with the tornado, but it was Very cool.

Thanks to team 45, 234, and 393 crew who made IRI 2005 possible. Special thanks to the parents of IRI who was there to support throughout the whole way

I would like to thank all the mentors who welcomed me to stay with them and working with them. It was a great pleasure.

Thank you Brandon Martus, David Kelly, Ben L., Josh, Karthik and the crew.

Amanda Morrison - Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. I hope that the gift I gave you shows even a bit of appreciation. That was one of the most valuable thing that I kept for a long time.

Thanks for Paul and Dan for keeping it going for two days.

The more and more I see these two mentors in person, the more they amaze me. Andy Baker and John V. Neun. Thanks for all you have done.

There are two particular people that I would like to thank... Ryan Dognaux and Tytus Gerrish, who made this trip possible for me. Ryan let me stay over his house (even though I wasn't there all 3 days), also volunteered to give me rides everywhere I wanted to Go. Tytus has been there for me all the time. He was the one who got me into this and I thank him for that. It was a great weekend.

Thanks to team 116. It was a dream that came true. I was standing right by Dave Lavery trying to dry off their robot. They welcomed me warmly to help them dry off their robot. (Heidi took bunch of pictures of me, I am scared)

I would also like to thank Team 716. Team 716's arm was broken, also the lifter was bent. It was a challenge for me and 716's pit members to come up with a solution. It took us 1 good hour to get the materials, modify the claw and in time that robot was out on the field capping.

Finally, my friends, It was a great time hanging out with you guys (specially team 25, team 56 and Jess Jank who let me stay with them). I would like to point everyone out but the list would be so long. You know exactly who you are for making this weekend one of the most memorable weekend for me.

-Arefin