Which aspect of FIRST gives you the most inspiration?

[John Wanninger]

If you think about inspiration as sort of a spectrum, in FIRST it's very full. The robotics, strategics, and technology make up the higher wavelengths, the adrenaline of competition the midband, and the low frequencies that pull at the heart, well that's the people.

[dachickindapit]

The people of FIRST are what really makes it for most people, I think. I know on our team, everyone has at least one mentor that they are very close to, regardless if that person is on our animation, robot build, or Chairman's group. There are many of our students and alumni who keep in contact with mentors over the off-season and after graduation. Without these mentors, many students would not be at college or in the jobs they hold today.

[Lisa Perez]

Though my experience with past clubs and teams in the field of science and technology was indeed a fun time, I must say that there's something different about FIRSTers. FIRSTers always seem to have a passionate spirit for what they do that cannot be suppressed, be it in competition or in the hallways of a high school.

Through FIRST, I became a more outgoing person. My teammates, teachers, and mentors encouraged me in my rookie year (and following years) to step up with any ideas all the time, and to say what was on my mind - and that positive way of doing things eventually rubbed off on the rest of my life. In that manner, they inspired me to be the person I really was.

I've had the opportunity to meet and befriend so many diverse people through these forums - and hearing about all the knowledge they've gained and all the good experiences they've had also inspires me. The CD members inspire me to open up my mind and to learn something new every day.

Yep, I have to say that although everything about FIRST inspires me in some manner, the people have definitely had the greatest impact.