[Barry Bonzack]

My first two years of high school I lived in a town with no FIRST team; Science Fair was king of the land. I competed in science fair for two years, first in an area I had no interest in, and the next I did the category of mathematics. I planned at the time to go into investments and did an elaborate experiment involving analysis of the NASDAQ (stock market). I was also president of the Future Business Leaders of America at the school during this time. The experiment placed in state competition.

The next year (2003) I moved to Florida and joined a FIRST team its rookie year. Since then I have learned about design, electronics, pneumatics. I have developed skills in time management, teamwork, public relations, and leadership. I have had hands on experienced working with actual engineers and machinists to learn how to use a mill and lathe. Although the Science Fair was a wonderful experience, nothing has altered my life and thinking like FIRST. I have a completely new respect for engineering projects like NASA's probes and rovers. This sort of thing is my hobby that I enjoy doing, however, I can not see myself doing it as a career and continue to desire to go into finance. FIRST has inspired me and I have grown because of it, this is the point of FIRST. Not every FIRST student is expected to go into an engineering field.

Other ways FIRST has affected me:
*Not only did I receive a FIRST scholarship, but my essays and interviews for other scholarships were loaded with my FIRST experiences and this is the reason I received many of them as well.

*I have met many of the best friends a guy can have that have similar interests.

*It helped me get a job at the Kennedy Space Center (thanks again, Gabe!)

*It has given me a cause to donate my time to share the experience with others


The final thing I would like to mention is about that town I lived in that did not have a team. Bartlesville has started team 2165 to compete this season. (check my signature)