[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by 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.

When your team comes to an FRC event, you are not just some kid hoping for a glimpse of your hero. You're a competitor, with experience behind you and some impressive stuff of your own to show. It's only natural that Dave, Woody, Dean, and all the mentors you meet are going to be open to talking with you. Their interests are not simply benevolent, but also selfish. They give an enormous amount, and they get something back, too.

It can make you feel good to give some time to people who need help; however, that feeling is weak compared with some others I've experienced. Every teacher knows an even better feeling: seeing the light come on in a student's eyes in the magic instant of a new insight.

But there is a better feeling still. It happens when someone who has learned from you returns the favor by independently finding something new, and then sharing it. This is the coolest reward you can get, better than wealth, praise, fame, or anything else. Stay with FIRST for a little while and you'll see it for yourself.