Regionals are great!

[archiver]

Posted by Becky Allen.

Student on team #16, Baxter Bomb Squad, from Mountain Home High School and Baxter Healthcare.

Posted on 3/21/2000 4:03 PM MST



Altough I will be attending the nationals this year with my team. I would like to extend my advice to any rookies: enjoy the regionals. Because of the nationals size, it can not capture the true essense of FIRST. Reginals are enclosed, forcing teams to communicate and share every battle together. The national competition does not have the same atmosphere. Teams are more spaced out and many times they are just seeking escape from the intense Florida sun. When teams are not playing at regionals, they cheer with other teams who are playing. At nationals, many teams leave to go to the parks. (Who can blame them? It's Disney World!) So to wrap this up, remember that, yes nationals are great, but regionals hold a special place in my heart because they are geniune. Remember, that a gold medal is not everything. Yes, winning is nice. But if you are knocked out, find a favorite team and cheer them on. I know that a loss is hard to swallow. (I was there--Yipsilanti finals,we were the first place seed...our robot fell over against Beatty..) Unexpected things happen. No big deal. So make friends, cheer loudly, and enjoy the spirit of FIRST. Obviously, we are all winners. The competitions are part of what we have worked six weeks to experience and enjoy. A gold medal is nice, but the memories are what will last the life time. Here's to many more memories!