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Originally Posted by CinnamonHopes
Apparently judges were repeatedly surprised to discover we were a rookie team, they felt we had it very well together. So why no recognition? It's very frustrating knowing that we worked so hard for so long, and all we got was a "participation medal."
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You say there were 63 teams that were there? Hrmn... by my calculations, and considering the fact that FIRST gives out only a handful of awards, that means you probably weren't one of the only teams to not receive something. While it sounds like you were a great team and had to overcome a lot of things, you were in the MAJORITY of teams there. I'm sorry, but couldn't you also complain if EVERYONE got an award? It'd also be pretty frustrating.
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One thing I noticed as awards were being given, there's a pattern as to who wins what. My mentor team won about 6! The teams that traveled from afar all won awards. A team from Ohio, both teams from Brazil. Did they deserve the awards? Absolutely! I will not doubt that they earned them. Also, only the teams with big sponsors seemed to get awards. Johnson and Johnson teams, Mercedes Benz, teams sponsored by PS&G or technical colleges in the area. My team has a bunch of local businesses, and a NASA grant. Mostly the local businesses. One of the teams from Brazil apparently had $45,000 to play with! We read it in their engineering binders they brought with them. This seems more and more like a rich kids game, the rich kids get to play, the poor kids get to play. Something one of the parents said leaps to mind.It's like the guy that coaches the little league teams, who's son is it that gets to pitch?
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This is a pretty big 'notice', also. The truth is that a lot of the teams with these sponsors (such as the ones you've named) are veterans and have put in their time with FIRST, and worked for one of the awards for years. Having more money than another is certainly not always the case. In 2003, the St. Louis Rookie All-Star award went to a very deserving team- a handful of kids and a father who helped them build their robot in their shop/garage. I think I'll always remember that award description being read, and everyone in the audience just being in awe that they could pull it off so successfully. Drive to succeed does not come with a dollar value.
While little leagues may be corrupt, FIRST is full of mentors attempting to help you get a jumpstart on your peers, introducing you to a brighter future within a technological or scientific field. This is rocket science, not your local T-ball Astros.
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Furthermore, I heard a rumour that FIRST is a for-profit organization. WHAT?!?!? I want to know where all the money team, the money I worked so hard to earn went!!
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...and in response:
"FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational non-profit organization, that aspires to transform culture, making science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today." (from
FIRST's website
When you hear a rumor and are suspicious, do your homework to back it up. Otherwise, empty rumors have no place on ChiefDelphi.
From the rest of your post, it sounded like you had a great time, and that's good to hear. Especially having some experience from last year, you've gotten to know the ropes of FIRST. If you think your team would be better in VEX this year, that's fine... but I don't know if there is such thing as a failed rookie year in FIRST. You're there to learn and have fun... and since it sounds like you checked those off your list, I'd say mission accomplished.