[DCA Fan]

Rob Mainieri's update essay, won 2006 WFA:

“I see him more than my father,” says Christina Nguyen, a Midnight Mechanic. This applies to many members of Team 812. In addition to being a FIRST Senior Mentor, Chairperson for Team San Diego, and FIRST Ambassador, Robert Mainieri is truly a second father for many of us. This is the story of children inspired by his impact; a compilation of many stories guided by one voice.

In his first year, Mr. Mainieri strengthened the mathematics department and brought FIRST to the Preuss School. Five years later, he teaches Algebra II, Calculus, AP Calculus, and the FIRST Robotics class. He has also taught Introduction to Engineering and Principles of Engineering. His “I Love Math” stickers are all over campus; students are overwhelmed with enthusiasm for the subject. His successes in the promotion of math and sciences have been accredited by the fact that 100% of our alumni pursue a profession in math and science. In addition, 14% percent of our high school population participates in FIRST; among those, 57% are female participants.

“If I didn’t love you guys I wouldn’t still be here,” says Mr. Mainieri. Over the past six years, many Midnight Mechanics perceive Mr. Mainieri as more than just a teacher and advisor; they have come to know him as a father. One of our students, Paul Tran says, “As a result of not having a father, I have no significant male figure in my life. I was a mediocre student. In 2003, I met Mr. Mainieri, who introduced me to FIRST. My life was then changed. I had initially wanted to become a lawyer, but Mr. Mainieri has motivated me pursue a career in science. After meeting Mr. Mainieri, I have worked hard to take a step closer to my goals. I received the Fish and Richardson U.S. Space Camp Scholarship in 2004 and the Physician Scientist Training Program Scholarship in 2005. Now, I am an intern for the National Institutes of Health.” In addition, other Midnight Mechanics, inspired by Mr. Mainieri, have achieved recognition through COSMOS, NASA SHARP, WPI GEMS, MIT MITES, and UCSD Medical and Science Internships.

“He knows me better than my own parents,” says one of our team members. Like a parent, Mr. Mainieri puts education first. Mr. Mainieri feels that success in academics is pivotal to prosper. Mr. Mainieri occasionally discourages students from continuing robotics because my academic grades were not sufficient. However, he goes the extra mile by providing students with individual attention and assistance and tries to bring students to adequate academic levels.

Following his introduction of FIRST to San Diego five years ago, Mr. Mainieri has recently introduced VEX Robotics to the San Diego area. Mr. Mainieri has driven Team 812 to bring VEX Robotics to the Monarch School, a local institute of education for homeless children.

The Monarch School is a home for two hundred homeless students which promise to provide shelter, clothing, and food in return for their attendance at the school. The Midnight Mechanics work with the school to provide mathematics and science tutoring, technology support, SAT preparation, and an introduction to robotics. Recently, we brought VEX Robotics into their curriculum. Mr. Mainieri had invited students from the school to participate in the VEX challenge with out team. Mr. Mainieri is truly a father figure for underprivileged children. He gives them the opportunity to learn and become inspired. “He gave me a new home,” one of the participants said, “he showed me that no matter how difficult my life can be, my dreams are never out of reach.”