[Stephi Rae]

I too, love that quote! ^^ It is true for me as well.

I consider FIRST my best mistake. It has affected me in such an amazing way! Before FIRST, I was a diehard athlete. Any time I could get into a competition was a good time for me. I thrive on being able to throw myself into something and give it everything I have. To work as hard as I can and leave it all on the field/court. Many times this was a hazard to my health or life (MRSA [should have died, respiratory arrest and coma], 3 concussions, mutilated appendages, etc) but I just kept going back. I wanted to be able to work my hardest, for the benefit of others as well as myself and to accomplish something. FIRST helped me realize that sports don't accomplish anything. I didn't realize this until late last year (1983's and my rookie year). I was headed to yet another training session for soccer. It was dark and I pulled into the parking lot and couldn't get out of the car. I had left a robotics meeting very early to get to training on time, and I just couldn't justify it to myself anymore. I turned the car back on, and drove back to the meeting. Robotics has been top priority ever since.

I realized with robotics I was actually accomplishing something. I was learning new skills, and leadership, and I was becoming more outspoken and confident in my ideas.

I year later I look back and have no regrets, other than not have realizing this all sooner. Because of FIRST I know what I want to do with my life, I know that I can make a difference, and I know that I want to help other students discover FIRST so it can make a difference in their lives too. FIRST is also going to pay for school! I just recieved a full-tuition scholarship to WPI! FIRST will forever be a part of my life. Here's to FIRST, everything it stands for, and what it means to those of us that make it what it is: AMAZING.