1. What role do you play as a part of FIRST?
Over the years I've played a number of roles. I began in 2001 on team 303, and participated in FIRST for all 4 years of high school. After moving to college, I stayed involved volunteering at the New Jersey Regional.
At my college I was involved with last years FVC event (which was held at my college), and other events from Connecticut to Delaware. I was also the head referee for FVC in Atlanta last year. I am currently on the NJFTC planning committee, preparing scrimmages and events in New Jersey.
Last year I volunteered for a local high school's FIRST team (Ewing High School #2016), and this year I am student teaching at that school and mentoring the team as well.
So in short, I've worn a number of hats, from participant to field reset to refereeing to organizing.
2. How does FIRST help students for the future?
FIRST creates a framework that gives students opportunities for hands-on learning by applying academic knowledge towards a practical application. This, at its best, can lead to students to self-actualized exploration of the designed world and their place in it.
3. What has FIRST done for you?
Our opportunities are defined by our iniative. FIRST puts up a framework, what each participant gets out of it is up to them.
4. What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?
Intellectual conversation and seeing students broadening their perspectives.
5. How did you become involved?
I was on your team from 2001-2004.
6. What encouragement would you give to new/potential mentors?
Keep your goals in focus and work towards them. Let the problem drive the solution.
7. What are some of the rewards you get as a mentor?
Inner peace?
8. How do you feel FIRST and being a mentor has affected you and your life?
I'm going into Technology Education, so my possible future profession and my mission of what I want to accomplish with FIRST overlap quite a bit.
9. What are some skills needed to be a mentor?
This depends on what you plan on doing and what you want to accomplish.
10. How have you used your background knowledge (profession) in being a mentor?
Essentially my profession and my mentoring are the same job.
11. What do you feel the biggest challenge of being a mentor is?
Keeping things in perspective.
12. What do you believe is expected of you?
To do the best I can with what I have to work with.
13. In what way do you feel that you help the kids?
I dispense vague fragments of wisdom at irregular intervals.
14. What is your favorite part about it?
I don't really have a favorite part, I think of it as a full package.
15. Why should someone become a mentor?
Fame and glory.
16. Anything you might want to add!
The future is happening right now. It is ours to do with as we please. Take that opportunity.