[Allison]

My first year in FIRST was as a junior in high school in 2003, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduate, maybe computer but I wasn't sure. I spent those two years of high school learning how to be a leader which I would be surprised at how important that was later on.

FIRST has taken me in many directions, I am in my last semester at Purdue about ready to graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) thanks to FIRST I picked a degree I love.

The pros of FIRST for me where that it gave me leadership skills, showed me what degree I wanted, and as a mentor let me bring a lot of joy to a rookie team.

The cons were that FIRST to me was as stated by others was a drug. I love FIRST but I made many sacrifices for it, even this year as a senior when I am in "retirement" I will be working at the regionals and I usually answer email within an hour or two. I have seen as a mentor the good, the bad, and the ugly side FIRST and have been amazed at what it takes to run a team I have a lot more respect for mentors now.

The commitment for those first two years was large but I wouldn't trade those many sleepless nights and the tears shed we shed for anything.