Thank You FRC

[Jeff Pahl]

Now that I have made it back home from what was a less than totally pleasant experience in St. Louis, I want to attempt to express my total and absolute gratitude to the students and mentors that turned a bad situation into a reminder of what FIRST is all about, and why we all do what we do.

It's been a rough season for me, there have been several times where I have almost "retired" from FRC for one reason or another, none of which I'm interested in discussing here.

As noted in this thread, I experienced a theft from the pits on Thursday evening during the Opening Ceremony. Before I was even finished filling out the police reports on Friday morning, there was a large group of students waiting in my inspection station area waiting to present me with the collection they had taken up to assist me. This total outpouring of caring and support literally brought me to tears, and served to remind me of why we all "do this".

I often make the statement that I am not involved with FIRST to build robots, but to build the future. This experience has served to refresh my faith both in the program itself, and that we are really making a difference.

I cannot find the words to completely and properly express my gratitude to everyone who contributed, but please all know that your contributions and support are deeply valued and appreciated. In order to not miss anyone, I'm not going to list any individual thank you's.

I promise I will see everyone next year.

-Jeff
Lead Robot Inspector, Hopper Division, 2015

[Ichlieberoboter]

That's really awesome. The collection thing, not the stealing thing.

[ThePancakeMan]

That is beautiful. I got rather emotionally moved reading this. FIRST is an amazing organization with even more amazing people in it.

[nick4130]

Can someone help me set my signature? I can not figure it out

[RamZ]

Originally Posted by nick4130

Can someone help me set my signature? I can not figure it out

This isn't really the place to ask; however, click "user cp" in the top left, and click "Edit Signature."

[216Robochick288]

FIRST is an amazing place. It reminds me of back when the RoboDawG trailer and my dad's truck were stolen when we were at the Waterloo competition, although it was stolen at the hotel. Simbotics offered us help (as well as several others), 3 drive stations from 1114 and from what I have been told, and some offered the shirts off their backs if needed (the truck had all our luggage as well as our 3 programming laptops, 3 drivers stations including their laptops as well.)

For as many badthings that happen FIRST offers about 10 good things. I'd donate to the "my car was broken into" fund if I werent such a poor college kid trying to pay off student loans.mI hope getting your vehicle fixed goes smoother than dealing with the insurance company over our truck.