FIRST Alum Mashroor Rashid is a 2015 Dean’s List Award Winner from FIRST Tech Challenge Team 2408, Shrapnel Sergeants, in Hazelwood, Missouri. He is grateful for the variety of mentors he’s gained through FIRST and plans to pay it forward to future generations.

What did you do after becoming a FIRST Alum?
Currently, I attend the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where I received a FIRST Scholarship, and study Computer Engineering

You’ve had mentors, or mentored others, through FIRST; what advice do you have to share with others?
I have been mentored by wonderful parents, teachers, and engineers. Each mentor brings different skills and trait to the table, and are able to pass their knowledge on with ease. I'm incredibly thankful for what they've taught me, as I can pass their teachings on to the next generation of FIRSTers.

What is the best piece of advice the you’ve received?
"When opportunity comes your way, grab it and run with it, as far as you can." and, "What you put in is what you get out." My coach told me these words after the 2015 FIRST Championship, in regard to college applications, robotics, and schoolwork. He would push us to work as hard as possible, because he knew that the team had potential to do well.

What is your favorite FIRST memory?
Winning the St. Louis Regional in 2013. I can remember talking to my teammates during the build season and saying, "Man, I just don't see us walking out of there." After alliance selections, we just kept winning matches, eventually coming to the finals. Being able to attend Championship as a freshman really opened my eyes up to how important teamwork and Gracious Professionalism is.

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