How has FIRST changed your life?

[CLandrum3081]

I can write a little piece on how it's changed mine if there is enough interest, but I'm curious about how others have been affected by involvement in FIRST - whether it's Robotics, Tech Challenge, or Lego League.

[KelliV]

There are already several threads on this, one can be found here . There are several other posts on how specific things in FIRST have changed people, all you have to do is search.

[ehochstein]

Originally Posted by CLandrum3081

I can write a little piece on how it's changed mine if there is enough interest, but I'm curious about how others have been affected by involvement in FIRST - whether it's Robotics, Tech Challenge, or Lego League.

Welcome to the CD community CLandrum3081! As KelliV stated there are many threads on this subject already and you can find them by searching for them above on the main menu bar under search. If you ever have a question I encourage you to search for an answer before you create a new thread, as these forums have been around for as long as I can remember!

Since I haven't answered this question before in other threads I'll answer it here... FIRST has changed my life in more ways than I can remember, I have been with FIRST for six years now and I feel that FIRST has taught me who I am as a person. Before I helped start #2470 my sophomore year of High School I had no idea what engineering was, I only knew that I had a passion for robots and computers. I remember my kick-off that first year and thinking "Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?!?!" Little did I know it would turn out to be a life-changing experience that I am still experiencing today. FIRST creates a competition that is much better than any other competition I have experienced before. The competition in FIRST is so much better than other sports, everyone is always helping everyone else and cheering each other on. Each competition I have attended has been a celebration of the build season as well as a sports event. I feel like I am repeating myself but FIRST is just so amazing, it has the potential to help you in every aspect of life.

[rick.oliver]

Mentoring a FRC team has done a number of things for me:

• I became involved with FIRST because of the tremendously positive influence the program provided my son. It gave him a direction and passion for a career in engineering; upped his game academically; gave him a group of friends with shared values and interests ...
  
  I remained involved with FIRST (going into my 10th season as a mentor) because I wanted to help provide that same experience for other young women and men. I receive satisfaction and a sense of purpose when I see the success of students I have had the opportunity to work with.
  
  I am inspired and encouraged for our nation's future as a result of my experience with the students involved in the FRC program.
  
  I am re-energized by the many other teachers, parents and mentors who support the FIRST programs.

[Jon Stratis]

Rather than repost the write-up I did last night for another thread, I'll point you over to this post, outlining how my views were formed in life, and how they're changed since I started mentoring an all-girls team 6 years ago.