[Andrew Blair]

Andy, you bring up a very interesting point. I recently attended an ASM camp in Cleveland, and, because it was a sponsored thing, and at Materials park, there were alot of big-time CEO's, presidents, etc., especially at our graduation. Talking to people there, I was reminded of FIRST concerning the ranks of the people in attendance, but I was surprised at the sort of stigma surrounding us. We still were talked to, and heard some stories, but with the exception of our mentors, we were talked down to and entertained rather than conversed.

This was a bit of a shock to me, because at regionals, and especially Championships, anyone and everyone was not only accessable, but open. In one day, I talked to not only you Andy, but several other team mentors, college students, engineers, and a the guy heading the GM tent. Not only talked to him, but learned he was an old mentor of 67, that he got them their Hummer, and gave my friend his card!

The FIRST community has, as you said, made themselves available, but also extremely candid. In our little world, anyone is game, and everyone is friendly. FIRST is a sort of universal common ground, where anyone can converse who's involved or interested. The results are always exciting.