INSPIRATION IS EVERWHERE

Featured Image

Display Title

FIRST is a Place Where I Belong

Sub Title

Eduardo Pineda

FIRST Robotics Competition Team 6647 "Voltec Robotics," Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

"I had a feeling that FIRST® was the place where I belonged, and that feeling has never disappeared."

Before I participated in FIRST, I never saw myself with a career, many friends, or as a leader. I was always very lonely and shy. During a presentation at my high school about FIRST® Robotics Competition, I had a feeling that FIRST was the place where I belonged, and that feeling has never disappeared. Since the first moment I entered my team's workshop, I’ve discovered many abilities that I never noticed before. I originally joined the team to be part of the programming division, but through time, I became involved in things like community outreach, safety, electronics, fundraising, and more. I’ve also gained many friends, and I see them like my second family ‒ they have always supported me and helped me progress as a person. Today, I'm one of the safety captains of my team, a role that I never imagined that I would have, and I do things that surprise me every day. I have never regretted joining my team, and I hope that in the future I will become a mentor and pursue a career in systems engineering.

Note: Eduardo wrote this story as a FIRST participant. He is now a proud FIRST alum.


Read More Stories

FIRST inspires student and community leaders

Kevin Ross

Founder, FIRST Washington; Microsoft (retired)

 
viewFIRST Mentor

FIRST experience turns challenges to opportunities for LA teen

Yohance Salimu

FIRST Alumnus, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1692, CougarBots, of Los Angeles; Second Lieutenant, United States Air Force

 
viewFIRST Alum

I learned to thrive in ever-changing environments

Jillian Bejtlich

FIRST® Alum & Volunteer

 
viewFIRST Alum
NEW

FIRST nurtured my interest in international relations

Elisa Moore

FIRST Alum & Mentor

 
viewFIRST Alum
NEW