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Unread 24-03-2010, 10:58
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Jon236 Jon236 is offline
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AKA: Jon Mittelman
FRC #2648 (Infinite Loop)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2000
Location: Windsor, Maine
Posts: 741
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Re: A mentor perspective on what happened in FIRST Israel

Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidGitz View Post
Who wants to volunteer at FIRST Israel next Year? I Do
David, we look forward to seeing you there! The volunteers that put on the Israel Regional are promised a lot of hard work, no sleep, but lots of hummus!

It was obvious to me, as Judge Advisor, that for the most part, as in the US and elsewhere, that FIRST Teams in Israel 'get it'. Their contributions to their school, their community and to the principles of FIRST are truly outstanding. We were able to recognize many of these teams with awards; but many other teams also deserve recognition for maintaining their spirit and demonstrating GP, despite the difficult circumstances.

The fact that the vast majority of Israeli teams understand the principles of FIRST is due in no small part to the dedication of Alisha MacIntyre and Yaarit Levy. They work basically 24/7 during Build Season. During the competition, we stayed at the field to work out the technical problems. It also says a lot about the importance of FIRST in Israel to understand that FIRST Israel has 2 full-time Regional Directors.

There will always be challenges to overcome in FIRST, especially as we try to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Obviously we had no idea that the communications system, which worked last year in Israel, would have as much difficulty as it did. But it is also apparent that the Israeli Regional is not alone in experiencing technical difficulties. Suffice to say, these issues will be addressed before next year.

I am proud to be part of FIRST Israel.....I have seen so many of the kids who graduate from high school continue their FIRST activities as mentors and volunteers, like Leav, despite their military obligations. There seems to be a strange 'illness' that infects the IDF during March as the Regional approaches........

Once a Tick....always a Tick!
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Jon Mittelman

Senior Judge Advisor New England & Israel 2014-2015
Infinite Loop Mentor 2011-2015
TechnoTicks Mentor 2000-2011
Championship Chairman's Award 2009 Team236 TechnoTicks
Judge 2010-2015 Championships
Senior Judge Advisor New England District Championship 2014-2015
Judge Advisor Tel Aviv Regional 2007-2015
Judge Advisor Pine Tree Regional 2013
Maine Regional Planning Committee
New England District Planning Committee
Lead Inspector Microsoft Tel Aviv Regional 2006-2008
Judge & Lead Inspector GM/Technion Tel Aviv Regional 2006
Judge UTC Hartford Regional 2006