This is my fourth and final year participating in robotics programs in the Everett School District. For personal reasons I have decided to end my role as co-advisor to Cascade Bruin Robotics, but I will always be a passionate believer in and promoter of FIRST and Washington FIRST Robotics. I hope others will, too.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen to provide students with a competitive experience that combines STEM with business, design, communication and organization. FIRST isn’t just about robots. Its programs are growing exponentially and expanding all over the world, and FIRST participants are eligible for significant scholarship opportunities.
The two abiding principles of FIRST are Coopertition and Gracious Professionalism. Coopertition “is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition.” Gracious professionalism means that robotics teams “learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness.” Surely our students want to win. But winning isn’t everything and it isn’t the only thing. It is simply the icing on the cake. Dean Kamen calls FIRST a “varsity sport for the mind” and “the only sport where everyone can go pro.”
At our recent FRC competitions, FIRST Washington founder Kevin Ross exhorted the seniors to take their skills and values into the world, to college and beyond. During this presidential campaign I have been deeply disheartened by the violent and hateful rhetoric and imagery by some candidates and their supporters. The students of FIRST give me hope for our future.
Imagine a world where our leaders are FIRST alumni who embrace gracious professionalism in every aspect of public life. Imagine a world where we win by helping to bring others up instead of down. That world could be a reality if we provide more opportunities for students in every school to join a FIRST Robotics team. We can all help. If you have time, volunteer as a team mentor (engineering skills not required). Make donations to your local robotics team. At the very least, if you are an Amazon shopper, use Amazon Smile and select FIRST Washington Robotics as your designated charity. FIRST. More than robots. Inspire the World!
Postscript: For another, better perspective on FIRST Robotics, please see this post: Top 10 Differences Between High School Sports and Robotics.
