Quote:
Originally posted by Dave Flowerday
I don't understand why those who feel this way don't just book a vacation to Disney and not bother going to the Championship. Then their vacation won't be "interrupted" with trips back to the Competition area to watch their team compete.
I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that I view the Competition itself as the reward I owe myself after working long, hard hours for well over 6 weeks.
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You don't understand, I'd imagine, because we probably have vastly different personal goals.
I am still deciding whether or not I want to do as you and Ken have said and book a vacation to Walt Disney World in lieue of the Championships this year. I can only afford one. With FIRST at Walt Disney World, it was a no brainer. I got to experience both. Now, it's a bit more of a troublesome problem for me. It's a personal thing, really, and I wouldn't expect that FIRST takes my love of Walt Disney World into account when its balancing its books. But, I'd hope that my opinion as a spectator
is worth something.
I don't find competition appealing. I hate the stress, in fact. I don't handle it well. So, in my case, added stress on top of everything else I've already experienced isn't a pleasant thought. I attend because I do enjoy seeing the students have fun - for whatever reasons
they may have. It is rewarding, of course, but it isn't exactly relaxing. Not for me, anyhow.
This, really, is all a very personal decision for me. Maybe I'm being erroneous in sharing those thoughts here. But, again, I can't help but think that I'm not the only person who feels this way. Ultimately, I will do what I decide is best for me. But, I just thought it interesting to be in the position of a spectator for the first time in awhile. I know and love FIRST for its diversity of discipline, inspiration, and motivation. I've been involved intimately going into five years. Despite that, given my distaste for competition, I am finding it to be a difficult decision regarding my attendance. How many more people like me are there out there? FIRST wants to experience growth, and it's been very successful at that so far. But, eventually, if it wants to become pop-culture friendly as so many discussions here and elsewhere indicate,
I think it needs to start by drawing in people who don't have an investment in being involved. Right now, at the Championship level, I have very little invested, and I don't know that FIRST can maintain my interest for three days without some further stimulation (or one amazing game.) With Weedie being an exception,
I can't imagine families planning their yearly escape around the event as it now stands. There just isn't enough meat to it for the viewing audience. If competition is your thing, it's great. If it's not, we're out of luck.
Who knows? Maybe I just don't make any sense. It wouldn't be the first time.