FIRST and Success: A Question of Definition

[Redhead Jokes]

Originally posted by amandabean
I, myself, am a photojournalism major. Many people ask me why I am involved in a science and technology program when I can't do any of the technical work. There is indeed a lot to a FIRST team, as I am discovering by being a mentor/advisor- fundraising, marketing, planning, designing... I could keep going on and on. FIRST has spread to parents, teachers, and engineers nationwide, and as everyone knows, once you catch the FIRST bug, you're affected for life.

Kids who join just to go to Florida should not be kicked out of the team, in my opinion.

I think not allowing a child to enter a team is the worst that can be done. I realize that all teams have monetary restrictions,

I became involved this year to discover I had an unknown to me flair for publicity and fundraising. There isn't a mechanical bone in my body. Team building, inspiration - yes, I can do that. I've got the FIRST bug.

My ss joined 2001 at our insistence, and did nothing the entire year except attend meetings. The VP made an unpopular decision paying for his trip to nationals where they won. First time I saw enthusiasm in my ss. It didn't stick, but it did get all the rest of his family in the program. I try to remember him when I feel periodic frustration with those who haven't got the bug and just want the trip.

We have rival schools united on one robotics' team. One of the schools tried to make a restriction - you have to have a 3.0 to participate.

The other school sought funding and said, "The Beach Cities Robotics team is composed of students from Mira Costa and Redondo Union High School. The Robotics program is open to all high school students, and has no grade point prerequisite. This allows us to recruit underachieving students as well as honors students. Students, who would not have otherwise pursued science or math, are drawn to this program by its unique, interesting, and enjoyable approach. Through participation in this program, the members receive experience in a variety of aspects of teamwork and robot building, resulting in the development of important and valuable life skills. "

So much for restricting membership.