Rock on!!
How FIRST shapes the world around it!
Recently I was considering how FIRST has added to my world. In the same week, I had interactions with three different FIRST alum, all for different reasons. After thinking some more, I then realized that FIRST hasn’t just added to my world, it has shaped THE WORLD!
First, an alum who is now an audio-visual producer, spent some time with me reviewing the potential layouts and production plans for a major show coming up next year. His insight and knowledge started with FIRST Robotics Competition experiences as a student on a team. That night, I had my computer and office equipment configured and repaired, and maintained by a FIRST alum who is now an IT professional. His insight and knowledge also started with FIRST Robotics Competition experiences as a student on a team. To say that these two alumni help me in my work is an understatement!
In an interesting twist, the third FIRST alum is an engineer by day and a rock star at night! I have gone to see his shows a few times now and have even recently had some of my friends also tell me what an amazing show his band put on. Once again, his insight and knowledge started with a FIRST Robotics Competition team. Oh, by the way, one night, as I stood watching his band, right next to me, stood another person who runs important engineering crews for a large utility company- you guessed it- another FIRST alum. Thanks for keeping the lights on!
Throughout the recent FIRST Robotics Competition season, my team and I are constantly engaged with many alumni in both the planning, and onsite execution of the uniquely detailed FRC events. Whether it be a committee chair, volunteer coordinator, or Field Tech Advisor, these valuable alumni perpetuate the amazing experience that is FIRST. The very experience that has molded them into the incredibly competent professionals that they are today. I have been so blessed to have so many great relationships both professional and personal because of FIRST, but this does not make me unique. Whatever your affiliation with FIRST events, you can’t help but grow your personal network beyond the face-to-face event experience. You can be a student, volunteer, vendor, or other relationship, and find yourself rich, due to your FIRST experience.
So, as FIRST continually evolves, I ask you in the FIRST community to take a moment and think how your life has become richer since FIRST. If you are not in the FIRST community, I would recommend that you find a way to volunteer, sponsor, or hire a FIRST alum. You can then see what I am talking about and make your life richer too!
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