[Ashley Christine]

Originally Posted by Philip W.

No matter what the proportion between student-built and engineer-built a robot is, or student-managed and mentor-managed a team is, it would seem to us that every student in FIRST is inspired, which is the bottomline. Or are they? This is something I would like to clarify. Are students really being inspired to take careers in science and technology? I know the degree of inspiration on my team, but I don't know the degree of inspiration on yours.

Well, personally I think that they are being inspired but I feel that it isnt just inspiration to go and get a career in science and tech. Yes, it has inspired me to look into my options, and I have found something I love to do. But I feel that in general, it inspires students in many other aspects. Whether it be stepping up and becoming a leader. Or going out and making a difference. FIRST is the type of program that I feel can change students for the better. I have seen some of my fellow students change and progress so much just on general life aspects, which I feel is the begining of good inspiration.

Originally Posted by Philip W.

What is the degree of inspiration on your team? What sort of post-secondary schools are your alumni attending? Are you a student-built or engineer-built team? Are you a student-managed or mentor-managed team (i.e. who is the leadership)?

My team is mostly balanced. But at this time its more mentor-managed. But I think that there is high inspiration on my team. From my one team two students wanted to go to RIT. And on my other team I know many are going to RIT and another is going to Clarkson.

Originally Posted by Philip W.

I hope to see that these upcoming posts answer yes to the question, "Is there really inspiration in teams?" I trust that we can keep this clean.

So Yes. I think there is inspiration. I know you dont want specific student stories. But I have been very inspired and I have seen myself change and grow just with a year in FIRST, which makes me really happy.