What Gracious Professionalism Means to Me: 25 Voices from the FIRST Community

Coined by the late Dr. Woodie Flowers, Gracious Professionalism^® is more than a phrase — it’s a guiding principle that we encourage everyone within the FIRST^® community to abide by. It calls us to pursue excellence while uplifting others, to value every individual, and to build a culture rooted in respect and collaboration. Woodie often reminded us that “societies get the best of what they celebrate,” and at FIRST, we celebrate people like Woodie: those who lead with kindness and integrity, and who hold a vision for building a better world through STEM.

On the sixth anniversary of Woodie’s passing, we honor his incredible legacy of kindness and inspiration by uplifting voices within our community who continue to “Walk Like Woodie.” We asked members of the FIRST community across the globe to share what Gracious Professionalism means to them. Their words serve as a reminder that this ethos is applicable far beyond competing in FIRST as a student. It’s a way of life that empowers us to make a meaningful and positive impact, wherever we go.

Here are 25 voices from the FIRST Community sharing what Gracious Professionalism means to them:

1. “Meeting new people and making new friends in a way where you relate to something together.”
2. “Supporting people and people supporting me.”
3. “It’s not about winning. It’s about happiness, learning, exploring, trying new things, and friendship.”
4. “Always be kind and respectful to others.”
5. “Limitless support across teams and helping build each other up.”
   
   
6. “Being kind to others whether you win or lose. We are all part of the same team at the end of the day.”
7. “Being able to help opponents anytime during an event.”
8. “Helping others and expecting nothing in exchange.”
9. “Always showing kindness and teamwork.”
10. “If you win, you are kind to others. If you lose, you are also kind to others. You help others, even if you are on another alliance.”
    
    
11. “Spreading kindness and compassion to others.”
12. “Being kind and respectful and remaining professional but compassionate.”
13. “Being kind when others might think to be competitive.”
14. “Following the 'golden rule' of treating others the way you would like to be treated.”
15. “Sharing tools or parts with other teams even if you are going against them in the next match.”
    
    
16. “Positive intent, no matter the situation.”
17. “Helping others so that we can play them at their best.”
18. “Mutual respect for everyone participating in FIRST.”
19. “Being nice and kind to everyone.”
20. “Showing humility, no matter who you’re interacting with.”
    
    
    

21. “Working hard and appreciating the people around you and the work they put in.”
22. “Competing with teams but wanting them to do amazing, too, because at the end of the day it’s better to work together.”
23. “Real maturity, discerning right from wrong, and remembering we are all on the same team.”
24. “As a coach, it means I respect our competition, treating them more as colleagues and collaborators.”
25. “Treating others with dignity regardless of their background or position.”

We invite the entire FIRST community to join us in participating in Walk Like Woodie Day on October 10, 2025 by sharing your photos, thoughts, and examples of Gracious Professionalism with #WalkLikeWoodie on social media. Together, we continue to carry his legacy forward by remembering and sharing his impact.

“Think of FIRST as a catalyst in a chain reaction. Each collision releases human potential which feeds an exponential expansion of additional human potential. FIRST students seize this opportunity by being informed, being creative, and thinking hard – all three, all the time.”

-Dr. Woodie Flowers