[les chortos]

I reply to this question as someone who is at the other end of the career- I have 27 years as an Engineer in the auto industry and have been a mentor with our local FIRST team (773) Kingsville Kukes Ontario, Canada for 4 years. I have found it very rewarding and fun to say the least- It should be mandatory that every corporation fund and mentor a team. I have found it sharpens my "old" engineering skills as well as helps "keep me young feeling". I hope to not sound selfish by this - but it is true. - It is too easy as one ages to fall victim to routine - It is nice to see the youth get enthused over math science and the competition.

I am bit concerned however that our local team 4 years ago was very hard working and dedicated. Over the past 3-4 years the caliber and disipline of the student has degraded to the point its almost a social club. We are at a crossroads with this team and need to make some real hard decisions in the next year or so or it will die. I do not want to see this - but the work and dedication has to start within each individual- I cannot make or force a student to work-. there also seems to be a total indiference with the attitude toward FIRST.

I am thinking it may be time to cease the existence. We are a small school 550 students in the entire school. The band 200 kids- we barely get 15-20 for a team and they are not very dedicated.

any other mentors sensing this same thing ? I would be very interested in hearing from you.

or as a mentor am I doing something wrong??

Les.