[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by galewind

There were a few things I was a bit disappointed with about the NJ regional this year, though... some things that really hurt the experience for at least one team, and others that I feel they could have improved upon.

First, I was shocked to hear that there were students from other FIRST teams insulting teams from other states/countries in or near their pits. The fact that this even occurs really damages the image of New Jersey (beyond what it is now) and has the potential to lessen the impact of our programs. We really should try to monitor ourselves to make sure that guests feel welcome at our regional, and to make sure that behavior like that exhibited by a few students doesn't reflect on our regional.

I know some folks who were really looking forward to the New Jersey regional and meeting all the teams that were participating. I had traveled to New Jersey a while back to attend Brunswick Eruption and was excited for them to have this opportunity. There were a couple of reasons that I wanted to travel to BE7: I wanted to see if the rude reputation of New Jersey was true (for myself), and I wanted to create an opportunity to come away from the event and be able to talk about the wonderful teams and people who made me feel very welcome in New Jersey. It saddens me to hear this news. A few people can reflect on an event - what Chris says is very true. At BE, I also wanted to have some time to pick the brains of some of the wise and wonderful mentors from the region, and to have the opportunity to meet some of the students on the teams. By doing so, it strengthened my skills as an FRC mentor and helped me to see the bigger picture. I will always value my time spent at Brunswick Eruption and I appreciate the generosity of the people who opened their treasure trove of experience, humor, and know-how to share with someone from Texas. It was a chance of a lifetime.

Congratulations, Chris. Thank you for everything you do.

Jane