The Reasons we Continue to be in FIRST

[Ken Patton]

this should be a great thread

.... because it is our way of getting many people excited about something important!

[kevincrispie]

Because of teams' boundless creativity and the pursuit of excellence.

There's so much more to say though...

[RoboMom]

There is a reason I don't Twitter.

Because I have 11+ years of stories, and these stories usually have nothing to do with building a robot. Some of them are very very funny, some still make me tear up, some are about how you can learn something new every day, a few are about mistakes and people behaving badly and "I am not making this up", and many are about opportunities to make a difference in the world.

There is a common thread of volunteerism, problem-solving and teamwork to most of the stories .
And usually involve a lot of very nice people.

[Billfred]

For that moment when a girl on our team goes to Peachtree without plans to go to Palmetto (some scheduling conflict), then starts trying to change the plans before we've finished unloading the bus back home.

For that moment where an idea leads to the basis for a champion robot.

For the growth I see in both the students and our mentors. (We work with students at the University of South Carolina, students not much older than the kids themselves. Seeing their progression during their college years is amazing.)

For the moments where opportunity is seized and something amazing results.

For the pig-kissing, the nerd rock bands, the talks until 4:00 AM, the dinners with folks that live thousands of miles away swapping stories, the plays that lead to a "THAT WAS AWE-SOME!" chant.

[Richard Wallace]

Because the team I helped to start in 2001 continues to re-invent itself every year, after numerous inspirations and successes, and in spite of numerous challenges.

Because the team I watched getting off the ground in 2007 just completed the trifecta -- regional winner, RCA, and WFFA at their home event -- also in spite of numerous challenges.

Because the team I helped to start last year has reached high, and performed beyond my expectations, qualifying for the MSC two years straight.

Because three long days of volunteering inspires me to stay late on Saturday, break down the field, and load the truck.

Because of the kids who come back as responsible professionals, inspired and ready to drive the future.

Because I cannot stay away.

[Horsegirrl]

Because through FIRST i saw my little sister grow into a successful woman

[Taylor]

Because of the freshman who refused to focus on anything, who has since graduated, now calls me by my first name, sends me Father's Day wishes, and works for an FRC supplier.

Because of the timid girl who came to robotics because that's what her boyfriend was doing; she ended up taking PLTW classes, getting a high school internship at Rolls-Royce, is now studying civil engineering and serves on a regional planning committee.

Because of the dozens of stories like this that I have, even though I've only been around FRC since 2006.

Because of the adults who have inspired me, and I'll never get the chance to tell them, so I carry their memories in my heart as I try to spread their messages.

[MarcD79]

The reason I continue to mentor in FIRST after having 2 sons go through & graduate; I had one of the students who graduated in 2008 contact me & ask if I can help her get in touch with the best possible connection for getting a job interview at Hamilton Sundstrand. I was able to get her the connection she needed & she was so happy. Most of these students who have graduated still keep in contact with me & that makes me feel good. Can I say I've made a difference? Yes!

[KrazyCarl92]

Because the problem solving opportunities offered in FIRST are challenging, fun, inspirational, and I want to share that excitement!

[MrForbes]

I get to see my sons...they're mentoring other teams now

Because of the community

Because of the opportunities

Because of the future

Because of the culture changing

Because of the competition

Because of the fun

Because of the experience

Because of the challenges

Because of the maturity it brings

Because of the family it makes

Because of the learning

Because of the chance to change someone's life

Because of the chance to change the world


This list could go on for 3, maybe 4 pages, and this is only my second year.

[ErikEdhlund]

I continue to be in FIRST cause I love the people that I meet. In the past 7 years on being with WildStang (4yrs as a student and 3 as a mentor), I have always loved meeting new people and being able to help guide the team to more success.

[delsaner]

-I continue to be in FIRST because I feel obligated to give back to the program that has given me so much.

-I continue to be in FIRST because I love to see the different ways each team solves the same problem.

-I continue to be in FIRST because of how much you can learn, even once you graduate from high-school.

-I continue to be in FIRST because it provides the opportunity to teach the youth about STEM.

-I continue to be in FIRST because it makes me happy, even during the saddest of days.

-I continue to be in FIRST because of the great friends that I have made over the years.

-I continue to be in FIRST because robots are awesome.

[Nick Lawrence]

I continue to be in FIRST to insprie and be inspired.

-Nick

[Matt C]

Because I'm crazy.


... but that's a good thing.