[Jaine Perotti]

I would say that FIRST has had a profound impact on my choices after high school.

This is my fourth year as a member of The Who'sCTEKS, team 716. Before I joined the team, I never even dreamed of becoming an engineer - I didn't even know what an engineer really was. I had always loved science in elementary school, but I had many other interests as well - art, music, and the humanities. When I entered high school, I was experiencing a personal conflict because I had no idea what type of career would be most satisfying to me. I had too many interests for me to allow myself to focus on one career in a specific area. In short, I was completely unsure of my direction after high school.

When I joined the team, I was immediately hooked by the aspect of competition, while at the same time, impressed by the teamwork. I was amazed by the older students who were knowledgeable enough to work independently and solve problems with the robot - a device which, to me, seemed immensely complex and almost magical. But I didn't begin to consider a career in engineering until my sophomore year, when I was given the chance to lead a design sub team for the main arm of the robot. That year was so exciting for me because of the fact that we ended up winning the UTC New England Regional that year, and won two engineering awards. I was so excited by the prospect that something I had designed and built was responsible for our success. I felt elated by the fact that I had used my problem solving skills successfully, and that I was of value to the team. By the end of that year, I was so in love with design work that I truly set my heart on becoming an engineer.

I know I am not the only one who has been affected in this way. 100% of the graduates of my team have gone on to major in either engineering, science, or technology. The Who'sCTEKS have truly been able to fulfill the missions of FIRST in that the lives of so many students have been impacted. I am very proud to say I am one of them. Next year I will be attending the University of Miami and majoring in mechanical engineering.

Hope this was of some insight,
-- Jaine