Why are YOU involved in FIRST?

[Lisa Perez]

This summer, I had the opportunity to teach robotics to a group of 16 middle school girls. After I had given them my lessons, they really sought to engage with the programming and the mechanics of their robot, in the process learning how to collaborate with others and overcome their fears of asking questions.

I started as a high school student because I had an interest in math and science... But I continued as an FRC/FLL mentor in college because, for me, it was definitely worth it to leave a meeting every day seeing students enthusiastic and brimming from ear to ear about what they had learned from me through the day.

[JaneYoung]

the big picture:
I want to stay and see how big this picture is going to get.

[KenWittlief]

To be honest, Im just in it for the money!

Ive been involved with FIRST for 9 years. The checks should start coming in any day now :^)

[Freddy Schurr]

Because I believe in what this program teaches the students and how science and engineering can affect our lives. Also because there is a lot of cool people ( meaning CD members) that are in it.

DANCE TO THE MUSIC!!!!

[Dick Linn]

One word: "children". If my oldest hadn't gotten the word about FIRST, I probably wouldn't be here. Of course, the younger one was right there at the time (seventh grade) and has been on the team ever since. I've become the mentor for the drivetrain. Though not fancy, we've never had a single drivetrain failure in five years of competition (knock on wood). This year, the Team won a Motorola Quality Award at the VCU regional in Richmond, VA.

I hate going to meetings, but I love building stuff. There's nothing like getting it all together at the 11th hour and making a good showing at a regional competiton. And when it's over, the comraderie is just great. This year, our team had it's first engineer ( the team's co-founder) graduate from VCU, with honors. That makes it all worthwhile!

[travis48elite]

Well one of the reasons I joined FIRST was because I wanted to try something new and it sounded like something that would be fun to do. When I went into the program I was shy and knew nothing about machines. Three years later I have gained more confidence in myself along with having friends. Also I have learned machining skills along with CNC machining, and become the build team captain for two of the three years I was on the team.

[StephLee]

I joined the team because I had nothing better to do. I stayed on because it changed my outlook on my future and actually changed my personality, and because I love nothing more.

Okay, list of reasons:

* I've discovered that strategizing is a passion of mine, and what could be better than getting a new game to strategize about each year?
* I've made more friends from robotics than anything else, ever. I love interacting with new people and making friends.
* I want to go into a career similar to what I get to do during the season, so I figure this is the best practice I'm going to get in high school.
* (Since this asks about FIRST in general and not just the high school competition...) I love watching kids figure things out on their own and seeing them realize they've done something by themselves and have accomplished something. For them to do that, sometimes they need skills I can (maybe) help them learn.
* I want to be a mentor when I'm older so I can help inspire the next group of FIRST students like I've been inspired.

[hoorayforpink]

my sis was on the team and basically forced me to join this past year as a freshman now shes gone( she was a senior) but im here to stay!

[Gabe]

It is the only program at my high school that is engineering oriented, and allows me to use my mechanical skills.

[+()c|D]

I am a geek and proud of it. I started in middle school and the first year i was in it (FLL) I was in awe. That was it, I'm here to stay!