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Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST Executive Advisory Board Vice Chairman and Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, coined the term.
Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST.
It is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions.
Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.
They avoid treating anyone like losers.
No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either.
Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.
In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life.
One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.
What do Students Gain?:
Students who participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition receive:
Exposure to the field of engineering and professional engineers, as well as artwork, computers, public relations and business operations
Exposure to all facets of a program that designs, creates and uses a "real world" problem (the robot) to encourage creativity and focus on specific goals
The experience of establishing and working to a schedule to finish a challenging, creative project in a limited amount of time
A great sense of work ethic
A great lesson in teamwork experience with peers and adults
Useful knowledge in choosing a career path
Access to scholarships
Life skills, such as problem solving, teamwork and commitment
Friendships that will last a long time | 
