[Molten]

I am just starting as a mentor this year, so I am not sure how much this will help. Sorry, it took me a while to respond. I hope this helps.

1. What role do you play as a part of FIRST?
I have been the head draftsmen in the past, so one of the things I did was make sure I trained somebody to be my replacement. I currently am used mainly for my random mind. For instance, we are going to have a musical light display for charity. I am coming up with ideas that will push the members to their limits of design and manufacture.
2. How does FIRST help students for the future?
It teaches them many things. These include ethics, manufacturing ability, and safety concerns. Not to mention the connections one gains from working with the different teams.
3. What has FIRST done for you?
It has given me a chance to learn how a machine shop works better. I now try to keep them in mind whenever I design stuff. Also, I have never had that many 'good' friends. Now I have gained several while I was on the team.
4. What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?
I am not expected to do all of the work and I am not held responsible for the students. I get to be involved while only doing what I want to do.
5. How did you become involved?
I was a member of the team when we first shifted from BattleBots to FIRST. I was their sole draftsmen in 2006 and the head draftsmen in 2007.
6. What encouragement would you give to new/potential mentors?
Let the students do the work. This competition is meant for them to learn, so keep this in mind and only teach them. Don't do the work for them. This will allow them to learn more, and conveniently it takes a load of work off of you.
7. What are some of the rewards you get as a mentor?
It gives me an excuse to go back and relive the days that I was a member. I know I sound like I am an old recounting the 'good ole days' but I find that I truly do enjoy remembering these moments.
8. How do you feel FIRST and being a mentor has affected you and your life?
It makes it a little busier. But it does make you feel like you are giving back to the people who taught you.
9. What are some skills needed to be a mentor?
Patience. I sometimes am showing someone how to draft and know that it would only take me a half hour to make a part. However, I sit there and walk them through it and it may take them two hours to make it. But the main thing is that they made it.
10. How have you used your background knowledge (profession) in being a mentor?
I have not gotten a job in this capacity. However, I have used a lot of my experience from PLTW and SkillsUSA competitions (and many others) to help convey different ideas to the members.
11. What do you feel the biggest challenge of being a mentor is?
Finding the right balance of helping them. My main goal is to teach them. I have a hard time with this because I would rather do it myself.
12. What do you believe is expected of you?
I am just supposed to teach them. Nothing more, and nothing less.
13. In what way do you feel that you help the kids?
One student in particular knows just about as much as I do about drafting after only one year (this is my fourth year drafting). I like to think that my teaching has something to do with this.
14. What is your favorite part about it?
I love getting to see a robot being made. Also, I get to see my friends who are still members on a weekly basis.
15. Why should someone become a mentor?
It really gives you a sense of fulfillment. It goes into the old cheesy saying, 'it is better to give then to recieve'.
16. Anything you might want to add!
Mentoring is great. I particularly suggest you target the students who are graduating. They can often relate to the members in ways that few 'adults' can. Learning from someone I can relate to always helped me.