The "I" in FIRST

[wendymom]

Don't assume that because a student is not as involved as you are that they are not inspired. Let me give you an example:

Several years ago on bacon we had a student start with us who was a senior. He only came once or twice a week and sometimes we didn't see him for a few weeks.

He observed everyone but didn't get his hands on much since he wasn't around. I finally pulled his mom aside to make sure he felt comfortable with the team and what could we do to help.

Seems like he was on the swim team and was on pace for Olympic trials...he was also getting his Eagle scout and just didn't couldn't make the same kind of time commitment that the "working" kids could. She also said he LOVED the team and being a part of something he didn't have to be in charge of. He was glad that we had a policy of giving as much time as you could but had no requirements on how much you had to do to be a part of the team. He traveled with the team and took part in the Regionals and Champs as a scout and some pit crew

He went to college on a swim scholarship but was injured in his first year. He still comes and visits whenever he is in town and still loves FIRST and his experience on the team and was inspired by what we did. He is getting a degree in Computer engineering and might have an internship with one of our sponsors this summer.

Inspiration comes in lots of forms. Don't lose heart, just keep doing what you do.

[Dancin103]

Originally Posted by wendymom

Inspiration comes in lots of forms. Don't lose heart, just keep doing what you do.

This is oh so very true. Inspiration comes in many forms. It's how you inspire a person that will encourage them to inspire some one else. Inspiration is a chain reaction and is something that just keeps on giving. If you inspire someone, they will remember it for a long time. Don't lose sight of your end goals, and don't lose sight of what you love to do. As I read as I was exiting the Judges room at the Philadelphia Regional this year, there was a huge sign on the door that read, "Inspire someone today." It's such a great quote and almost a challenge. It's a challenge to make a difference and inspire someone, anyone, to go out and do something they are passionate about.