Vanden Robotics

     Build season came and I spent night after night learning about tools, computers, electronics, gear ratios, and so much more. It was amazing to me. In my second year I stepped in to do the electronics for our team with the senior who did it before me graduating. I started to teach others and learn more with every passing month about everything. In my third year I stepped into the newly created position of Engineering Director. I was given the opportunity to lead all parts of our team. I made sure deadlines were met and ordered parts. I had to make sure everything was going smoothly so we could finish on time.

     The competitions from all over the country, the information I‘ve received, the concepts I’ve learned, and just the experience of all that which FIRST provides has shaped my life and has convinced me that I want to become an electrical engineer more than anything else. FIRST is amazing. The spirit of the competition, the speed of the robots, the feelings of accomplishment when those lights flash on, that code compilation, or those wheels and mechanisms work just as you designed them to, is out of this world. It’s beyond the feeling any traditional sport or club can bring because it unites so much: the intense deadlines, friendliness of everyone involved, and the nearly limitless knowledge of the participants and mentors.  I want nothing more than to see someone inspired by this technology and this atmosphere, and use that inspiration to change the world and benefit everyone.

As written: January 2010 by Steven Sigley, 2010 Alumni and team mentor

FIRST, Not Just an Acronym:

     To describe FIRST in one word would definitely be challenging. You could be literal and say it as it is, "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," but how would that describe how FIRST really means to you?

    To us, FIRST has been a creative outlet for students interested in learning about engineering and technology. It has brought students together to work as a team to complete a challenging tasks. But that's not all what FIRST is about.

     As a rookie member, being at a regional was really exciting. The challenges that we faced and the anxiety that we had was truly an unforgetable experience. Being part of something this amazing can be difficult to describe to someone who has not participated in such an event.

     Engineering and science is brought to students in such an entertaining way, it's hard not to pay attention in class! FIRST has not only helped us on the field, but off the field. We spread knowledge to others in the community about the importance of engineering and science. Most of our sponsors have helped us because of the message FIRST brings. Participating in FIRST has helped students do well in school and beyond. Many of our alumni have been influenced by FIRST, and further their studies in engineering and other sciences.

     In conclusion, FIRST is an innovation for the future. As the future leaders of tommorow, it is important to strive for advancing technology and keep moving forward. FIRST is absolutely on top of that...

As written: May 2007 by Priya Rangan, 2007 Alumni

What does FIRST mean to me?

     The scholarships went completely out of my head and it all made sense to me. FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, had nothing to do with getting money. It meant that working with the people, who helped support and create their machines, had worked together with smiles and helping hands and helpful thoughts. For the next two years, I kept this new meaning of FIRST in my head as much as possible, never forgetting to keep a positive face towards friends and strangers and helping whenever I could.

As written: January 2008 by Ian Dickerson, 2009 Alumni