For one, it taught me what a burning motor smells like which has helped me in both my job with machinery and at home with a washing machine
I also developed many beneficial mechanical abilities that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.
FIRST provided me with the jump start to my interests in Mechanical Engineering. Before FIRST, I wanted to patent law or be an architect. I made sure I worked hard throughout high school to allow myself to get a decent package to college (WPI) and I'm now a Mechanical Engineer for large consumer goods company.
FIRST has also caused me to have some of my most defining relationships with friends and mentors. Although some of those friendships have faded, they still helped me become who I am today.