Dean Kamen, Manual Laborers, and You

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by thefro526

When Dean made this comment during his speech, I actually perked up a bit, and began to listen more attentively. I was a bit offended personally, but I think I was more upset because of how the students on our team may have taken it.

The students and mentors on our team were slightly offended by these comments as well. A few of our best mentors are laborers who have been with the team 10+ years and are some of the most dedicated people I have ever met. It is disheartening to see that the efforts of people like them are undermined and I am not even sure if Dean realizes what he says sometimes. Just because someone is not an engineer does not mean that they don't have a big impact on a team.

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Perhaps the phrasing Dean should have used: "No one wants to do a job they are not passionate about." I know everyday I go to work dreading it, I am not passionate about what I do and I hate it. Perhaps FIRST shouldn't be encouraging STEM but should instead be encouraging passion while exposing students to new opportunities.

I agree 100% with this. Well said.

If topics like this were pointed out to Dean, I'm sure he would at least try to apologize in some way shape or form.

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