Why do we do this anyway?

[Andy Grady]

Its very easy at this time of year to get wrapped up in the game, rulings, designs, etc. Lets take a moment to answer one simple question.

Why do YOU do this?

I'll start.

I do this because when I was 13 years old, a group of the most wonderful people I have ever known, my mentors, took me as not just a student, not just a team member, but as family. To this day, they have welcomed me with open arms each time I have seen them. Last year, when I was going through the toughest moments of my life (my mother's fight and eventual passing from cancer), they allowed me to come and spend time with them as they built a robot any time I needed to get away.

I do this because I want to pass that amazing experience I received from them on to another group of wonderful people, my students. I do this for the Saturdays where we spend a whole day together joking about senseless things while wiring different parts of the robot. I do this because every time one of them reminisces about something FIRST related, I know that something good has stuck. I do this because I know they will each use something from this program that is worthwhile. I know this because I have time and time again.

I do this because I love the competition. I love meeting new people. I love seeing the magic of the lights, cameras, and music. I love the drama of the finals.

I do this because its awesome.

Why do you do this?