[half geek]

Five build-seasons ago, I joined Beach Cities Robotics, team 294, knowing nothing about FIRST nor anything like it.

Each year I learned more than I ever had in school about the practical applications of not only science and technology but cooperation, leadership, and schedule.

My dream job has always been to make, create, invent, and discover rather than duplicate, maintain, or destroy. I especially did not want to do any pedestrian job outside of these categories. I wanted to be an "inventor" in kindergarten. "Mad scientist" was my first grade costume. For years after that, I wanted to be an electrical engineer. FIRST did not change my direction towards, but it indisputably strengthened it. Without FIRST, I would be just another sideline spectator of technology, without anything to support my transition into the real application of knowledge.

I was able to expound on many priceless experiences, most of which directly resulted from FIRST, on my college admissions essays. Apparently colleges understand the value of these, as I have so far been admitted to five University of California schools of engineering. I fully credit FIRST for this feat which, based GPA and other more common indicators, would never be possible.

This summer I will be putting my experience from robotics to use at one of the most respected engineering firms in the country. The Aerospace Corporation approached me with an offer for a internship, a program is normally reserved for upper college and graduate students. Although I will not be having the same kind of fun as in robotics, it excites me that I will have to opportunity to contribute to some really amazing and cutting-edge projects there.

I am not even out of high school, and my foot is already in the door of my dream job. And FIRST got me there.