[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Molten

I honestly see this statement as a bit surprising. I guess I've just had a completely different experience with college. As a college student, I would like to be able to speak on behalf of a good percent of us. We aren't cynical or bitter or ugly. We are beat down daily by a massive work load. We survive on less money then most think possible. Every test is trying and the bills can be an aweful blow. But my experience is that in hardship, is when the human spirit really shines. I like to think of a song they sing at MIT. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ecQ2zJqrFw

It's a cheery tune from some tortured souls. I honestly can't say I've met a cynical college student. We just have too much fun and are too busy for cynicism.

Jane, I certainly don't doubt things may be different in the area you've seen. I just can't see this being as widespread as your post would suggest. I just would like to ask teams to give college students a trial run and not dismiss them as being cynical. Some may be, but the vast majority aren't. And we can certainly add a bit to the team dynamic. At least, I'd like to think we can.

Yup.

And college mentors do certainly add a bit to the team dynamic.

What I'm wondering about is the disconnect that does happen with some college mentors. Here's the deal - if high school students (and younger) are exposed to the talents, ideas, hands-on applications of engineers and other technical and professional mentors and they are inspired by what they observe, participate in, experience in FIRST - then how does a disconnect happen to the point where Gracious Professionalism is no longer part of their attitude when approaching real life problems and situations? If there is a disconnect then what is causing it and why? Is its potential impact not valid or just temporarily put on hold while college happens? Because if college mentors dismiss it or diss it, then I think there is a disconnect somewhere, even if it is just a few.