Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Dream it, design it, build it! :: FIRST in My Heart

I believe in the vision of FIRST:
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."
Dean Kamen, Founder



I believe in the goals and aspirations of 2102 Team Paradox.



... and I believe going to Atlanta, Georgia for the 2010 FIRST Championship was beyond awesome.

A lot of people ask either, "Did you win?" or "How did you place?"

And I understand.

A contest, a competition is for winning, for doing your best, but regardless, my first impulse is to answer, "Yes! Yes, they won."

They came in FIRST. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.
They started a team.
They inspired growth, and lasting commitment.
They dreamt it.
They designed it, and built it.
They played Breakaway in San Diego, and they came home with an invitation to Atlanta, and the award for Inspiration in Engineering.
They played again, in Las Vegas, where they earned their third Team Spirit award.
And then they rallied to prepare and organize for the honor of going to the Championship in Atlanta... they intently raised funds and spirits, making it possible to bring thirty students across the country, along with almost twenty more Paradox teachers, mentors and family members. The lasting awards of all they accomplished makes 2102 Team Paradox first in my heart.

I came home re-energized to promote FIRST and to celebrate the brilliance of young minds... they are worthy of so much more support, and more opportunities to fulfill their potential. Hey. That is saying a lot! It has been a long and intense journey, so declaring my renewed determination to get the whole world spirited for science and engineering, for the students who inspire me... means Dean Kamen must have hypnotic speech powers. I just cannot get out of these red pants!



Coopertition... students from around the world meeting to compete and cooperate, to talk about math, science, and robots!



FIRST is for everyone, from everywhere. Meet 13400 Team Dragonbots, from Santiago, Chile. They are a FIRST LEGO League team.



FIRST is for alumni-mentors, founding members who keep coming back for more. Matt and Amy, forever Paradox.



This man is FIRST. He teaches it, lives it, exudes it, and his students love him for it.



Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Thank you Team 11, Marauders.



2102 Team Paradox is in the house, cheering for robotics, cheering for math and science, cheering for Mark Leon, cheering for the underdog...



... cheering for FIRST, cheering Team San Diego, cheering with Code Red Robotics.



Cheering for 2102!



Wish you were there... no matter what time it is, or where we are, we always remember Team San Diego and The Midnight Mechanics.



FIRST is for mentors, they squeeze in time whenever they can, because sharing knowledge is the best... it's an re-awarding exchange.



FIRST is for art, science, boys, girls, math, robots, leadership, ingenuity, outreach, and team spirit. 2102 is FIRST



FIRST is for families. Grandparents, cousins, sisters, uncles, aunts, brothers... robot families, like these fans of FIRST LEGO League's Cyborg Kitties of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.



FIRST is for designing, building, and driving your robot, for making alliances, and playing as a team in the arena, in the stands, and in the community.



A Paradox must dance. Here we go... Down, down, do your dance, do your dance...



To the right, to the right, to the right...



Now walk it by yourself, now walk it by yourself



2102 loves sharing their team spirit all over the place.



Spread the news: 2102 Loves Robotics and Robo-Spirit!



Thousands of students, hundreds of teams, months of work, years of dreaming...



... the team has big aspirations, generous intentions, and a solid future.



I believe in keeping our expectations high. Never give up, never surrender! 2102 believes in learning, teaching, sharing, growing, and coming back to play again.



2102 believes in Team San Diego, in mentoring new teams, like 3128, Aluminium Narwhals



2102 Team Paradox is celebrating a super robot season, and always being FIRST.

Here is one more video link for a fun and fast overview of FLL, FTC, FRC, and 2010 FIRST Championships.

3 comments:

Denise B said...

Natalie this is so awesome it brings tears to my eyes. I am so glad they got to go and that you were there to document it! Thank you!!

SewAmy said...

what an awesome post and what an awesome competition. It was just amazing, the whole thing. FIRST is amazing. The kids and robots were amazing.

Natalie said...

Oh my gosh!
I totally recognize and remember Blue Cheese!
Congratulations!
Awesome!
I am so glad we got to share this amazing experience.