Volunteering can be described as the heartbeat of nonprofit organizations. It helps keep our mission alive and thriving, and to put it simply, we cannot do what we do without our volunteers. The dedication, passion, and selflessness of our volunteers are irreplaceable assets. Each of our FIRST in Texas volunteers walks through the doors with the willingness to not only work, but to also bring a sense of care that is felt by the recipients in an immeasurable way. That is why we have to give credit where it’s due.
One of our key volunteers is Tim Ehrlich. You may have seen him in a glitter jacket at FIRST Robotics Competitions. Although he’s worn many hats, his primary role is as a FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA). He started volunteering with FIRST in Texas after getting connected with Mike Henry, a FIRST Certified Trainer, who was looking for someone to mentor a team. After noticing the impact that the competitions made on the students, plus the “small army of people it takes to make those events happen and be a positive experience for everyone,” Tim knew he had to get involved as a volunteer.
His most memorable event was during a match in El Paso when the lights went out! Although they couldn’t continue the competition due to the fun (and safety hazard) as Tim describes it, it was still a day he would never forget. He talks about how there are so many stories from students—stories you either see firsthand or hear about—that stick with you. Sometimes, it’s about being in the right place at the right time, which can turn what could have been a “rock bottom” situation into something extraordinary. Tim emphasizes how special moments like that can be. “The absolute best part of volunteering for me is being able to make a difference at the competitions, ensuring all teams have the best experience possible and go home knowing the positive contributions I, and all the volunteers, make, and the impact that has on students.”
This was Tim’s answer when I asked him about the most rewarding aspect of his volunteering experience. He dives into how FIRST Robotics Competitions provide so many benefits to students. Whether it’s an eye-opener for the next step in their lives, or confirmation that they’re exactly where they need to be, Tim uses his experience, knowledge, and talents to ensure the competitions run smoothly and provide a positive experience. A close second most rewarding part of volunteering for Tim is the friendships he’s made along the way. “Doing competitions together, usually having shared interests through other aspects of FRC, has resulted in many enduring friendships that span beyond the robotics season.”
Volunteering doesn’t just impact the recipients; it also makes a profound impact on the volunteer as well. Tim feels that the experiences he’s gained through competitions and volunteering have deeply affected his mentality and his approach to everything. His role as a FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) is to ensure teams have a good experience. He acknowledges that there will never be a perfect experience, but how you approach the difficult and tough times is the real differentiator. “Being able to explain a situation, to give some understanding, to turn a not-so-good experience into at least a neutral, if not a positive one—that is a skill gained through volunteering at competitions that carries much further.”
In his FTA role, Tim has learned to look at what constitutes a “win” for each team. A win for one team might be having a functional robot on the field to play in a match or getting bumpers to stay on and in position. It’s not always about taking home a blue banner, and that’s what is so beautiful about FIRST in Texas. We are here, with the support of our volunteers, to celebrate every win along the way.
“The relationships I’ve made among volunteers, students, mentors, coaches, parents, and seeing and embracing all the different viewpoints and diversity, using that to understand how my actions, attitudes, and outlook impact those around me, can really be eye-opening,” Tim concludes. “I like to think it has made me, and other volunteers, more caring, more compassionate, more empathetic, and generally better people all around.”
Thank you, Tim, for all you do. We truly appreciate you, your hard work, and your compassion.
