[Al Skierkiewicz]

Well Jane and Andy, I have been thinking of this for a few days.
I remember my first encounter of many with Dean and Woodie and you Andy and so many others. All of these were interesting conversations even though some were by shear chance. There are two things that I have learned along the way and which I keep in the back of my mind. First and foremost, no matter who you meet, even it is someone you pass on the street, they will be changed forever after. That is a lot of power that you carry. You can make a person feel better with a smile or a nod, perhaps changing their day. You might make them feel more comfortable in an upcoming interview, more relaxed for a test or more open to an idea from a colleague. If you carry that kind of power on just a chance meeting, you would certainly want to put some additional effort into meeting a person for the first time over something important. Second, I believe everyone should give a modicum of repsect to each person they meet for the first time. After that it is up to them as to whether to give you a reason to increase that respect or detract from it.
I have been lucky to meet people over the many years I have been a participant in this organization. I have enjoyed those encounters immensely and look forward to everyone that will come in the future. Each year the number of "friends" grow. I know their faces, but like many of you, I forget names. For that reason, I religiously wear a name badge of some sort, so that they won't feel bad for not knowing mine. I now list among my friends teachers from schools all over the world, engineers from the Big Three automakers and their spinoff companies and vendors. I can talk or email engineers from Xerox, Nasa or JPL, or any of a number of spectacular firms from robotic suppliers to machine tool companies and other union members from all walks of life. How many people do you know that can say that they spent the weekend with a Rolls Royce Engine division manager or a cave diver from Michigan? And what's even more special is how many can say that they have spoken with students from other countries like Brazil, Israel, Great Britain or Canada?
I can very easily say that Inspiration is part of my daily life and inspiration is a two way street. I am a better engineer than I was 10 years ago, I am better at problem solving and my eyes have been opened wider to the world around me. I have watched rookie teams grow into great veterans, I have learned from veterans and cheer rookies and veterans on when they are competing. I worry about those I have met when their job is in jeapordy or they are waiting to hear about acceptance into a certain school. I have discussed the frustration with school districts, team advisors and parents with folks I have never met in person, but whom I cherish as friends. I can't think of anything in existence that will give a person this much exposure. For all of the good, let's face it, some weird things will occur. I think we must just put those behind us. Like the guy who pointed out the Segway to Dean, sometimes you just put your foot in your mouth.