[Chris Fultz]

D.J. > You started a great thread here, and I think your point was for college students to make a careful decision, and not to debate the merits of the value of a college student as a mentor.

For your point, I think you are right on. As a college student, you need to first be a college student. You are there to learn, to grow, to mature. The college expereince is a unique one and won't be like any other time in your life.

If you can maintain your grades and sanity and enjoy some of the college life, AND be a mentor, by all means go for it. if you can't, maybe volunteering for a kick-off event, or at a Regional or the Championship is a better option. OR, maybe just cheering while watching webcasts is the best choice.

As a potential employer for some of you, I can tell you that the first screen you have to pass just to get an interview is GPA. If the grades aren't there, regardless of why not, you probably won't get an interview slot at many companies. Fair? Maybe, Maybe not, but there as to be some type of a screening process up front. After top grades, then you have to get through the interview process, then, the extra activities you were a part of will be looked at.

You won't get hired because you were a FIRST mentor but had terrible grades and did not learn anything, but you might get hired if you have great academic performance, a good interview, and some service / volunteer activities while you were in school.

And at the end of the day, I would hope at least part of the reason you are in college is to be abe to get a great job when you finish.