[Rich Olivera]

In short: we aren't all winners, but we can be

The statement "We're all winners" assumes that you have come out of the program with more technical knowlege/skill, with stronger character, or with substantial personal growth. These things only happen when you truly challenge yourself to achieve something, when you have the courage to push hard for an outcome even at the risk of having to endure failure. FIRST, more than any other program I have seen or been a part of, offers the opportunity to strive for this definition of "winning". It isn't easy building a competitve robot in six weeks. It isn't easy trying to foster interest in science and technology all while building ties to your of community. It isn't easy maintaining gracious professionalism while working hard to meet these ends.
All of us fall short in some way or another. However, the winners are the ones who refine their methods year after year. They are the ones who make better of themselves and, in turn, the world around them. FIRST gives everyone the chance to be a winner but its up to each of us to make that choice.