For our Educators (and our future)

“I think I want to start a team.” The words that every FIRST robotics student longs to hear could be clearly distinguished even over the chatter in a meeting hall during Cobb’s STEM Boot Camp* hosted at Kennesaw State University. Our team was there with our robot this Tuesday as one of three student groups who presented before about two hundred Cobb teachers, advocating for the benefits of FIRST in STEM education. Our message was simple; not only is FIRST valuable beyond measure, but it’s doable as well. This we exemplified by hosting a seminar later in the morning, during which members of our team showed teachers the specifics on starting a FIRST team. By the end of the morning, several teachers had been inspired to create teams within their own schools.

Our team’s appearance at this event, a follow-up to our appearance at the Cobb Leadership and Learning meeting of principals from schools all over Cobb County, is one of the many ways our team has been making it loud for FIRST this fall. As a student who gets to give these presentations, I have to be honest with you; this is by far my favorite part of the off-season. As you may or may not know, FIRST is all about spreading the message of both FIRST and STEM: that they are attainable, that they are doable, and that they are immensely valuable. After building a robot, creating documentation, writing a business plan, and competing on the world stage, members of our team know this all too well—but getting to share our story with educators? It doesn’t get any better than that.

It’s such a phenomenal experience to be able to see the changes in teachers’ and principals’ faces as they realize the impact that FIRST has, both on the students and on the community. As we spread our mission, we’re enabling Cobb to grow more FIRST teams, making it easier for students to get the opportunities we’ve have the wonderful chance to experience.

Inspire. It’s the third keystone of our team tagline. After all, the best thing to do with something great is to share it.