[Mikell Taylor]

Also -- I'm sorry to double-post -- I just went through three very successful job interview cycles resulting in three amazing offers. Two of the three were through FIRST contacts I've made in the last four years, while at college, in my mentor/volunteer capacity. One was through another connection, but, in all three of them, at some point during my interview the issue of teamwork, team leadership, and how to teach and explain things came up in one way or the other. My FIRST mentorship experience was perfect for answering those questions -- being a mentor is challenging, and going from student to mentor is a difficult but rewarding change. I believe there is a lot of benefit to the college mentors in this respect and it can in fact vastly improve the footing on which they begin their careers. It's a continuous cycle of inspiration, encouragement, and networking. It shouldn't have to stop just because you go to college.