F.I.R.S.T. is an acronym for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology". F.I.R.S.T. started in 1992 in Manchester, New Hampshire. F.I.R.S.T. Robotics is a national engineering competition which immerses high school students in the exciting world of engineering. Teaming up with engineers from business and university personnel, students get a hands-on inside look at the engineering profession.

Being a part of the Finney Furious Dragons Team 475, sponsored by the DaimlerChrysler Mack Avenue Engine Plant, was the best experience we ever had. Our first year with the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition was like a crazy roller coaster. We, all twenty-seven of us, shared good times and bad times, and there were even times that we cried together. We had to rush to build our robot and finalize our team since we were informed rather late that we could participate. But, it all paid off at our first competition. It was a regional competition in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Our robot "Magic", placed 11th out of 67. What we enjoyed most was being a team. We had different committees such as finance, public relations, and engineering. While at the National Competition held at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, we came together as a team to cheer "Magic" on. Here we placed 135 out of 412. We thought this was great for only our second year as a team and our first year at Nationals.

The engineers were wonderful. They were a lot of help. They helped the team to design, build, and test the robot. We greatly appreciate the time and effort devoted to building the perfect robot. For some of us, this was our first time visiting Walt Disney World. It was an experience that will never be forgotten. During the days of competition, it was non-stop cheering. We had lots of fun. Mingling with other teams from around the world taught us a great deal about communication.