[ATannahill]

When I was exploring options for high schools I was split between the Engineering Academy at East Lake High School and Electrical Engineering at Dunedin High School. I shadowed at DHS and found that the kids were great, the teacher was great, EE classes were great, but they were very strong on Scottish culture, which was one of the reasons I went to ELHS, along with the option for college credit and the prominent robotics team (I wouldn't be posting this if I went to DHS). Although that is a bit off topic, the EE teacher at DHS gave me a copy of a software called Get Wired. Over the summer this was my bible, I read it, knew it, and I became very experienced in the electronic aspects of building a house. Now I am on the electrical sub team for team 79. I do not feel that I would have succeeded as much as I did if not for the time I devoted to this software, So although I never was enrolled in DHS, I learned one of my favorate and most influential talent from their teacher. I came into the team with previous information that helped me a lot.

But I knew how to wire a house, not a robot, I never heard of a spike, victor or IFI controller (or CRIO for that matter). I was given a head start so that during preseason, the electrical sub team leader, Gallo, could build upon what I had and propel me to the level that I am at.

In conclusion, I feel that being in FLL can propel him to a higher level than what a normal freshman is, but he is no expert. Sit him down and knock down his ego to the level of a freshman and explain that that action will not be tolerated. Do not put him in a big position nor let him take it. I came in to a meeting, sat down and found that this guy one year above me could teach me a lot if I let him, so I did. I am not one to be humble but it helped me and it will help your guy.