why do we mentor?

[MooreteP]

I was an engineer for ten years and decided to try a new career, Education.
I foolishly thought that it would be a little easier than working with machines as a reactor engineer.
I left my job and used some savings to get a masters in education.

Boy, was I wrong. You can admire machines, but you don't really love them. A machine can be left alone and does not have an emotional component.
I never feel, as a teacher, that I am doing a great job. There is always more that I can do to be better and serve my students.

In 1998, at Rutgers for my first FRC competition, with my first team, 195; I started crying as I saw two of my most favorite things, students (our future), and engineering (my passion) come together in the most beautiful synergy under one roof.

This program has enabled me to make a difference that I believe is good for the future of humans on this planet.

[rsisk]

...because when you mentor, you receive Christmas presents like this:

hey mr. sisk, this is for you and mrs. sisk.

you guys started as just mentors to me. another two people that are my robotics teams. well ok... but over time you two have become more than that to me. You've become life long mentors to me. because you've helped to teach me responsabilty, and deadlines, that when something is due its due. which has made me a better person. You've watched me grow for 4 years but what you taught me with responsibility specifically i will never forget that.

another thing is that you brought me into F.I.R.S.T, and i would never change that. you've taught me alot, and when i get out i plan to build my own robot. And stay a team mentor. so yeah...

thanks.