[Kims Robot]

I've heard this time and time again, and would say that the good majority of FIRST kids this is true by the time they hit their second competition. Im factoring in what Cynette pointed out which is very true, that our returning kids "spoil" me as our new ones come in and I always end up thinking "what was I thinking??". The new kids are often the typical high school kids that most are referring to, and are just anxious and unsure of what they are getting into. Many are freshmen with the attention spans of gnats, many have wide eyes, many bounce off the walls until you tape them to chairs. But eventually, something happens to all of those that stay with it. They do become more focused, respectful and considerate of others. Some this happens to in a short year, some it takes a few years.

I think there are two things at work here. They all get to interact with kids that are older than them, who have been through this, who have learned gracious professionalism and general respect. But the other thing is that once they realize that there are adults that are treating them more like adults than kids, that arent questioning their every move, that are chastising them for not turning in homework, that are actually interested in paying attention to them, something magical happens... they grow up. They mature. They learn respect for others.

I love the bus drivers, they do bring us back to earth. Our very first year, the bus driver that took us to Toronto asked us if we would ask for her again, as we were THE BEST group of high school kids she had ever had on her bus!! She was floored that these were regular high school kids and had never seen any so respectful. Another time was in Philly last year we hired a tour guide to take us around the city in our bus, and she absolutely loved us and wanted us to come back because not only were the kids respectful, but enthusiastic too! (not a bored bunch of high schoolers being dragged around by their teachers).

Now this is a generality, Ive seen plenty of FIRST kids who have acted out, we have even had kids on our team that I have told to "grow up", but I think in general, the majority become good kids as a result of the program. They learn to work with others, they learn to work under high stress, and they learn to manage time, all are very important parts of growing up and maturing.