2017 FIRST National Advocacy Conference

[team2655]

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e6&oe=58D60226
NAC is truly a one-of-a kind experience! The workshops are very in-depth, and I felt very well prepared for lobbying on Capitol Hill. The representatives were extremely receptive to what we had to say, and it was so cool to get to tell them about FIRST. During the trip, my public speaking skills improved immensely. After talking with a Senator, giving a speech at school is a breeze.
It was so awesome to be surrounded by teams from all over the country, all united to achieve the same thing: the spread of STEM. Collaborating with teams from hundreds of miles away and hearing about how they spread the message of FIRST in their communities was very valuable. All the teams have great ideas, some of which my own team hopes to implement in our own community.
On another note, DC is such a cool city! My team rode the subway, went to the Smithsonian, and even toured the Capitol! At the closing reception of NAC, we even got to meet Dean Kamen!!
When you go, be sure to bring an umbrella (even if rain isn't in the forecast)!!! Some of the offices are far away from each other, and getting caught in the rain is not a fun experience.