[Martinez]

I actually waited a long while to post on this threat. FIRST carries with it a lot of mixed emotional and psychological baggage that honestly I don’t know how to respond. All I do know is it drives me to new levels of adventure, inspiration, motivation and encouragement.

A little history:
I’m a Military Brat, seven different schools before I graduated
I’ve was always that social outcast, maybe one or two friends at best.
I’m an Eagle Scout, driven to do my best at helping others.
My school never had a FIRST team.

How it’s affected me:
I went to Clarkson largely because Robotics sounded really cool.
Just months out the gate, 15 passenger van accident (2001), two people died.
We didn’t quit, and I couldn’t imagine quitting without dishonoring that memory.
Sophomore year I almost failed out of Engineering, lack of ability and passion.
We went to Nats, I was just floor board by the shear number of teams.
Pressed on with new hope, I would get two degrees: in Engineering & Physics
Graduated, went to Lockheed in Binghamton area, hired I’m sure cause of FIRST.
For two years, I’ve tried building a team at this site, still no luck.
Joined Chuck (2006) and I still look to them as an extended fam.

FIRST has been a lot of Joy, Pain and Sorrow. Really it was the first place I ever felt I belonged. I have no fear of being shy amongst the people, and just want to get to know everyone. The environment is just so… infectious. More that that though, I look to this organization as the next millennium BSA, the values and foundations, and work to be accomplished is incredibly… solid. One thing is for certain though: my mission in life will not feel complete until every school in America has the opportunity to be involved in this program.

Regardless of out come or personal sacrifice it’s an incredible moral responsibility that I take to heart and will do my damnness to succeed at what ever the final shape.

That’s what FIRST has done to me.



Now if only FIRST was more like the real world.
I'm incredably tired of the walking Dilbert commercial around here.