How do you describe FIRST?

[Gabe Salas Jr.]

Oh I forgot that the team also uses a Recruitment Trailer Video that briefly explains several aspects of FIRST Robotics. Visual aids helps a lot. Bringing in a robot and demo-ing is a great way to get students inspired. This is also good for getting sponsors...

[nerdcool64]

Originally Posted by CrazyBear

"So, is it a lot like Battlebots?"

UGH! I know exactly what you mean. I actually put together a video of our 2004 season. Although it does not really describe FIRST, I am finding it to be an amazing recruiting tool. Here is the link...

Gila 2004

[Zzyzx]

I always have to explain to people the fact that the game changes every year, which is hard for them to understand. When they ask what the game is, and I tell them the game, they usually say it's too complicated (and somtimes I agree). But one of the most common questions I recive is "What sort of weapons does it have?" and when I tell them that there are no weapons, I usually get a "not even a flamethrower?" With all that FIRST has achived, it is still obvious that we need to achive a little more in order for people to understand the reason FIRST was founded.

[Joshua May]

[quote=CrazyBear]"So, is it a lot like Battlebots?"

::sigh::[quote]

I hate being asked this question every time I recruit for robotics. Over half the people at our club day at school first asked either a) what weapons does it have or b) where are the weapons. And I get to the point where I can't stand it. And then after I explain the game to some, they're like, "what's the fun in that, just strap a chainsaw on the back and that would be cool." So then I end up just frustraited. And then sometimes people will ask me how much goes into this, and I explain the long hours and money spent on it ("Hah, I coulda built one better in two days and three hundred dollars, and it would have a chainsaw.

[Joe Matt]

Let me try to explain it fast...

FIRST is the scientific and technological equivilant to a football training camp. FIRST is a way of life that takes you over for 6 weeks of the year in designing, programing, and building a robot. And yet while the robot is how the FIRST message of science and technology is delivered, it's not the main focus; the focus is the inspiration and recognition of science and technology through the robot and mentors from major corporations who help and work with the students. FIRST is so much it's hard to put it into a paragraph, it must be seen to believed.

[LauraN]

In an attempt to recruit incoming freshmen at their orientation, our team created a mini-flyer with the URL of our unofficial webpage and a 10 ten list. I guess that top ten list was our attempt at describing FIRST and what it means to us. Please keep in mind that this flyer was created at the last minute in about half an hour. Also that little/no thought was given to the actual order of the list except that numbers 1 and 2 are my personal favorites. After that we just wrote them in random order for the sake of actually finishing in time. =)

So here it is for your enjoyment:

Top Ten Reasons to Join High Tech's FIRST Team:
10) You get to try out a Segway a competitions
9) Great mentors
8) Get your picture in the paper
7) There's something for everyone- no matter how normal or geeky
6) Make friends with upperclassmen
5) Cool giveaways
4) Unlimited access to all the tools in the tech lab for 6 straight weeks
3) $3.8 million in scholarships
2) Opportunities to make friends across the world
1) On the job training: learn cool stuff, no previous experience required

[BandChick]

How do you describe FIRST? Simple. Life. And all your free time. If FIRST isn't your life, then you're doing something wrong!

[Phreadumb]

Originally Posted by BandChick

If FIRST isn't your life, then you're doing something wrong!

Sorry, I just saw this quote in the spotlight list and I kind of disagree. FIRST should not be "your life". Don't get me wrong I love the program but it shouldn't be something that consumes most of your life. If your consumed by FIRST as a student and even a mentor your not really fulfilling the vision of FIRST and its founders, "To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes." Why? Well, I bet Dean Kamen, Woodie Flowers, and the other leaders of FIRST would like to see us go on to bigger and greater things pertaining to science and technology, and IF we have time, mentor a team. I see FIRST as a program that is advantageous to students prior to entering college and later into a career pertaining to science and technology (or really anything for that matter) because of the experiences you gain from it.

[rcmolloy]

FIRST to me isn't just an organization for creating robotics & learning math and science skills. FIRST is a remembrance that I will look back on and tell my children one day of how I became the great person I could have become. Also, the great people that have helped me and guided me along the way. With being in football as well, my coach always announces that the team with the best character on and off the field will have more positives than negatives in a season. That is why when I come into the Robotics season, I am ecstatic & amplified to be there. The best thing is that every day my attitude stays the same. It's like a break from reality to really test yourself as well. Push your mind to the limits and beyond.

[Trevor_Decker]

Simply put, FIRST is a robotics competition that teaches students stuff lots of stuff.

[Racer26]

Holy thread revival! This thread died in 04.

FIRST is indeed many things. To me, FIRST is a challenge, I see it as a program thats helped shape who I am, and taught me many things I continue to use in my career. I also see it forming the next generation of engineers, scientists, inventors. It is very much a positive force in the world.

[Mish Mooney]

First is a cult, give in now.

[Nick Lawrence]

FIRST is a well of opportunities that refuses to run dry.

-Nick