Mentor Profiles
Name: Mr. Conroy
Years Involved With The Team: 2
Why They Joined: I first became excited about FIRST when I saw
Dean Kamen speak at the conference. I was attracted to what FIRST
stood for and how much of an impact the programs could make on
the youth. When my son decided to join Buzz, I thought it was a good
opportunity to try the program myself.
Favorite Memory: Last year, when Buzz was competing in the re-
gional championships in Boston, MA, I most enjoyed watching Buzz
cheer in stands and seeing everyone's face at the end of the weekend,
when we realized the team qualified for Nationals from our own suc-
cess, not just from our Chairman's Award status. "We earned it!"
What You Hope The Students Take Away From What You Teach Us: An appreciation for
the value of being able to work in cooperative team environment. I also want all the students to un-
derstand that everyone has a role or talent that can help the team.
Specialty: I work on building the practice field, but in the coming years, I’d be interested in possi-
bly working more on the robot or with the electrical team.
Affiliation: Optical engineer
Name: Mr. Mason
Years Involved With The Team: 7
Why They Joined: I enjoy working in the shop with the
kids and teaching them skills they couldn’t learn in most oth-
er programs.
Favorite Memory: I most enjoy watching all the competi-
tive students at the world championships, specifically St.
Louis in 2016. I enjoy spending build season helping the ro-
bot be constructed with the team but, it’s nice to finally go
the events and see the students cheering; each knowing they
helped to make the robot work and make it to that event.
What You Hope The Students Take Away From What You Teach Us: An apprecia-
tion for the dedication of the mentors and their wealth of knowledge they are sharing with
the students. I want the students to recognize how easy it is to create something new with
hard work.
Specialty: I mainly work on building the practice field but, I also complete any jobs in the
shop to help finish the robot.
Affiliation: Operations management
Issue 3: February 16, 2019
PAGE 6