What is a Hero?

[DanDon]

As a frequenter of these forums and one who has some trouble expressing his feelings, it was inevitable that after a while some feelings would remain bottled up inside looking for an outlet. Last year such an outlet was supplied some recent conversations have reminded me of this composition. There have been a few discussions of the goals of FRC and FIRST in general, including but not limited to Inspiration and Recognition. Before entering the FIRST program I could have been described perhaps as slightly antisocial and uninspired. FIRST provided me the inspiration that prompted me to give my all and put all of my ambition and efforts into something and I am quite pleased with the results. What follows is an account of an amazing person, mentor, and friend:

What is a hero? A hero is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength; a hero is a champion: someone who fights for a cause; a hero is someone who stands up for what they believe in, no matter the opposition; and last but not least, a hero is someone who always helps others, under any circumstances. A hero is the embodiment of gracious professionalism, and gracious professionalism is how we should strive to act, whether we are being watched or not, and in a way that would make our grandmothers proud. These bearers of gracious professionalism are a rare commodity, and when found, bring a smile to your face. One such knight, is Wayne Penn.

Wayne Penn is a diamond in the rough. He is the product of years of encouragement and care, and the outcome of all this effort is glaringly obvious in his personality. With a charming Midwestern accent and vocabulary, Wayne conquered all of Columbia University and the students of team 395, 2train Robotics. Throughout his studies at Columbia University, Wayne served as a role model for the kids of the Morris High School Robotics team, providing guidance and support not only in the technical areas but also in personal subjects. He was always there to lend a hand or a shoulder.

Wayne rapidly ascended the ranks of the FIRST Robotics ladder, attaining positions on both FIRST Robotics steering committees in New York City, as well as serving as head referee at the citywide LEGO competition. Last year, after four splendid years at Columbia University, Wayne graduated. He moved to Boston University to start graduate studies. Wayne's influence on the FIRST programs and the teams in New York City only became fully apparent once he left. All at once, everyone realized, oh this position is now vacant; now we need to find someone to be a head referee; who's going to fill his spot on the steering committees? These questions and many others were asked, and no solution was to be found. And then, to everyone's surprise, the day was partly saved. Solutions to a few of these questions needn't be searched for. Wayne agreed to come back and fill in some of his previous roles.

Now in another city, this time one more familiar in its pace and rhythm, Wayne set off on a quest to change the lives of more people. This round, he finds himself in the setting of Norwell High School, and the Norwell Robotics Team. Recognizing him from previous tournaments in New York, the Norwell team readily snatches him up as one of their lead mentors. Wayne also firmly entrenches himself in the regional steering committee once again, this time in the Athens of America. Wayne finds himself taking on a lead position, entitled Volunteer Coordinator, and proceeds to give it his all. The Boston regional turned out to be one of the best tournaments put on.

Throughout my life, I have met many people that I have admired. Sports players, movie stars, music artists, and many others. Most of these were one hit wonders. I noticed them, admired then for a bit, and then they slowly drifted out of my consciousness. And then, while walking down the sidewalk of life, I ran across a personality that just grabbed me and sucked me in. Took a hold of my attention, and for once, stopped it from wandering. I was in awe, and found myself whispering, “Wow, when I get older, I want to mentor a team, and help others, just like him.” I found myself in shock and amazement of Wayne Penn, a modern day hero.

Thank you all for listening, I greatly appreciate it.
--Dan