Virtual Team Forum

[JVN]

Originally posted by Ben Mitchell
Then you must define "college student"

Could I take 1 or 2 night classes at the local community college, and do FIRST the rest of the time, and be eligible?

Could I be taking extra night classes as an adult, and be considered a college student?

Then why don't we make an award for the most distingiushed disabled mentor, and the best woman mentor, and the best minority mentor, and the best redhead trilingual mentor, and...

Ben,
I think your going overboard on the "specifics" of this. FIRST could have a review process similar to the existing Woodie Flowers award. Each team could submit one college mentor they feel is worthy of receiving this award. They will list the details of the mentor they state, as well as why they are deserving. The review process would take into consideration exactly how the college student balances his/her positive contributions to this program, with his/her academic studies.

I didn't mean to start this much controversy.
The way I see it. College mentors often put a LOT of hard work into this program. I'm not disrespecting the "adult" mentors who are a part of this competition. I simply felt that many college students deserve some recognition for their contribution to this program. I also feel that, while many of the college students put a lot in, they wouldn't be able to compete for the Woodie Flowers award with the likes of Andy Baker, Bill Beatty, Mike Bastoni, etc.(if you read my initial post, you'll see that I want MORE recognition for adult mentors as well!).

I just think that FIRST is leaning pretty hard on some college kids. For instance, more and more college students are volunteering/helping to run FIRST competitions. As I said above, FIRST is emphasizing college teams, and forming MORE college teams. In NH, Deano himself stood in front of the crowd, and challenged each and every HS senior to found a college team. In Seattle, Jeff Seaton did the same.

I mean... cmon. Do you honestly believe that FIRST would present these young college kids are with a Woodie Flowers award? "Woodie Flowers award winner 2004: Amanda Morrison, for her work in founding 1020, and her overwhelming contributions to the FIRST communitty!" I'd love to see it. It would prove FIRST has their "money where their mouth is.
But... it won't happen. THAT is why we need a seperate award.

We have College scholarships for HS participation. We have the Woodie Flowers award for Adult participation. Why not something else?

By the way Ben,
"The best red-head trilingual, redhead mentor" would be elligible for the Woodie Flowers award. Whereas (in my opinion) students like myself would not be. *shrug*

I hope this clears up my thoughts on this issue.

John