How has FIRST changed you?

[exprg:melonhead]

Hello fellow FIRSTers!

So I have a project coming up. It's a speech! WOO! Okay. Kidding aside, the topic I am choosing for this informative speech is FIRST Robotics. I have to do research and what-have-you. Aside from obviously perusing usfirst.org, I wanted to get some feedback from former and current FIRST competitors and affiliates.

The point of this thread is: How has FIRST changed you? Or better put, what impact does it have on you? Mentors, students, judges! Any input is appreciated! My goal is to have the best speech in the class and have it all about FIRST!

As a precaution, anything read on this thread may be subject to being credited in a speech, and therefore I would have to reference you. Names are good.

Thank you friends!