Impact of FIRST

​I was on the robotics team during my senior year.  During the year I discovered the CNC mill, a machine used for manufacturing parts.  I learned how to use it and ended up spending most of my time manufacturing parts for the team.  I’m now getting a job at GW Lisk, a company that manufactures solenoids. -Ben Baxter

I was a part of the 3003 team for 3 years of my high school career. The experience I gained from this team has helped me to decide what I wanted to do with my life and given me a goal to get through college. Right now I’m pursuing an A.S. Degree in Engineering Sciences at a two year college and plan on transferring to a four year university afterwards to get my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. -Nick Ackerman

As soon as I joined this program, I knew I would enjoy it. I’ve made many new friends, experienced plenty of new experiences, and even learned specifics, like how to wire a robot. I advise everyone join a robotics team soon as you can. -Alex Francis

FIRST has had a large impact in the lives of all the students involved. Through robotics, many have been able to branch out and meet people as well as learn new things. Previous members have even received scholarships to study STEM topics and have been inspired to pursue careers in engineering fields. - Ariella N.

I learned a lot not just about coding, but also about how the rest of a robot is made: Electrically and Mechanically. At the championship, I had an amazing opportunity to see hundreds of teams compete in a program developed to inspire students to pursue science, math, and engineering. Outside of meetings, i remain friend with dozen of members and mentors. As Vice president, I've had to organize and schedule meetings and events, developing leadership skills. Joining the team has given me more friends, commitments, and experience with problem solving and programming. -Cameron Z.

I have started being more social and have found a family in my fellow team members and other teams. I have learned so much about engineering, graphic design, and community service through my 3 years on the team. - Mandy W.

Robotics has allowed me to be a part of the awesome experience that is building a robot and competing with a great group of people! -Hannah M.

Role Models

Team 3003 works together in a way that allows for work and fun at the same time. In other words, team 3003 operates in the way the world should, making progress but not forgetting about fun and joy. -Johnathan C.

Our team is a family. Veterans carry on the tradition of educating new members. -Ariella N.

My team members set a good example to everyone else on the team no matter what we are doing, and having a student leadership team also helps us  to stay on task and learn from one another. -Hayden R.

The president of our team helps to make sure we get our work done. Our safety captain helps make sure we are always in a safe environment. -Sarah K.

Community

I have mentored a FIRST Lego League team as well as spoken at rallies supporting our school and community, demonstrations for our sponsors, board meetings, city council meetings, fundraisers, and other outreach programs at the primary and elementary schools. -Mandy W.

Over the past couple years, we have gained significant influence in our community due to our continued success as a program. We have led demos at local establishments and businesses in our community, and have inspired young people and fostering an interest in science and technology. -Trevor M.

FIRST has greatly increased my community work, whether its being a part of a fundraiser for breast cancer, or hosting car washes. - Matt C.

Our community work helps give students more of an opportunity to not only learn about FIRST, but also create a connection to inspire more work in the community. -

Within my community we have encouraged recycling through our ongoing bottle redemption in which the proceeds from the recycled bottled and other plastics help fund our team. - Kelsey T.

Spreading the FIRST message

FIRST has helped us find creative ways to spread the word and help us to grow as a team and to think outside of the box . - Ariella N.

Our team drove our 2013 robot in an Independence Day parade to raise FIRST awareness. -Kelsey T.

Tan[X] has been very active in the spread of the FIRST message. This includes visiting other schools in our district and doing demonstrations for the younger children. After the demonstration, we then explain what FIRST is and how it can impact their life. -Evan P.