Quote:
Originally Posted by RaMoore
So here is a question: What about college freshmen that have never heard of FIRST before; should they also be given the same advice?
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Hands down yes, though it's more about DJ's post of work load and "welcome to college!" than my "grow as a person" montra. FIRST is foremost a high school organization (I'm talking FRC); when you are in college you should focus on more college level activies. DJ's right about the work load, and I'm adding on that working with college students and competing with college students in different competitions than FIRST is more rewarding in many more ways than just mentoring a FIRST team. For those already in the program, it's about taking time off to transition into a new life and purpose, and for those who are just hearing about FIRST, it's about the time committment and the activites.
And to shoot this down, yes FIRST does have college level activies in it, and I think mentoring is a worthwhile thing, but I would never recomend a freshman mentor a FIRST team over joining Mini Baja, cement cannoe, and other college level experiences. Be around people your own age and work with them late at night on campus, what not. Have a college experience.
Again, I'm not saying college mentors are wrong, they're bad, anti-social, or what not. You go away to college to be in college, not in high school. I've considered mentoring my junior year and decided not to because of this, I will have decades of mentoring ahead of me when I graduate and work on a more professional and adult level, plus my new found skills can be brought in, ones that I don't see myself (and thus, as a warning to others) getting through FIRST right in college.
Why am I passonate about this? Because I made the mistake too (just like DJ) and wanted to relive high school instead of embracing what's infront of me. FIRST is a program; not a life style, not a cult. I go to FIRST competitions because I enjoy competitions, and it was part of something I enjoyed in high school and I have many friends still in the organization. I guess FIRSTcast was my outlet for reliving, and that's why we didn't put any really out this past year, and I won't be involved with it this year (surprise Jeff!)
*jumps off soap box and realizes the irony of still posting on CD and the whole "embracing waht's infront of you" comment*