I quickly selected this thread for the same reason most of you did, "The Death of FIRST"? What could this be? The organization that has led me to a career decision in mechanical engineering, the organization that has exposed numerous teens (and I'm sure adults) to an experience like no other, the organization that I am proud to be a part of, is dying?
In last year's competition, my team did well. Perhaps this has made it easier for the adults - but in the matter at hand, brought to our attention by Anton, I would like to say thank you to all of the adults on my team who made everything possible. To the engineers, the fundraising committee, security, the food committee
, George (who really is his own category), and all the parents: thank you. But, that's not even all of the adults on one team - what about all of those helping on other teams? To all of you: thank you for everything you've done and continue to do, you are truly changing lives.
While it is not nearly the same, I am mentoring two Lego League teams. I am experiencing this form of leadership and feeling probably a few of the same things you are. Through this, I have gained a renewed respect for you which is probably the reason I am writing this right now. Please, continue to help when you see the excitement in our eyes, but more so when you see sorrow, failure, and frustration in our actions.