WOW! What an amazing weekend! I had been away from FIRST for almost a year and this regional really reminded me of how much fun these competitions really are, and why I want to remain a part of it.
I am thrilled that I was able to witness moments in history, High scores, to 3 regional wins, this competition blew me away. The finals were outstanding! Who would believe the amount of history between the competing teams. Teams 229, 217, and 4 proved that they are among the best in FIRST they held their own and made for an exhilerating 3 matches! Teams 1114, 1503, and 865 leave me speechless. You are an inspiration to many, in the words of Karthik, you truly "Get it"!
So besides thanking and congratulating those teams, there are a few other people who helped me, and helped make this regional the best in FIRST!
Steve - I'm not gonna lie I was a little worried about working with the man who announced all of my competitions last year. But besides my initial intimidation you helped me survive my first FIRST volunteering experience! Whether I was too fast or too slow you kept me on track and I can't thank you enough for that! It was a pleasure working with you!
Joel - I would hear from in the distance the announcing from the chevrolet field and instantly hear the voice of a pro! You did a superb job and never failed to keep the crowd glued to a match!
Karthik - hmm... ya I suppose you weren't really very important to this weekend.... KIDDING!!! The talk about this being such a phenomenal regional goes hand in hand with what an amazing MC you really are! I feel honoured to have been able to get a glimpse of what your job is like, and to have been able to learn from the BEST! You sir, are the driving force of that "I" in FIRST - to inspire is what you do best!!! Thank you!
1547 - I can't go without thanking you girls (and the mentors that work alongside them!). This team has grown into a team which I'm sure, given a couple more years, will be a unstoppable! Congratulations on all of your hard work and you make me proud to be able to say, "I used to be part of that team!"
So a final thanks to every single team there! I hope to continue volunteering with FIRST so that I can see each and every one of you further your journey of a lifetime.
(wow! Could this be any longer, or emo?!)