The following report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Erin M. during the 2007-2008 League as part of the Mission: Tactics assignment.

My SSI Experience

It's February 2006, I look at the paper being passed around the class, and I cringe in disgust. A Teenworks Onsite that's MANDATORY to pass the class, NO WAY! It was true. Friday morning, I arrive at Teenworks with only the worst on my mind. We all sit down, and quickly I realize that this isn't the latest form of ancient Chinese torture I thought it would be! I actually liked it! After going through the caucus meetings and speeches, I realized something, I loved politics, and SSI was the perfect way to learn about it!

Ok, so I want to get more involved with SSI and try to learn all that I possibly can... but where to start! I remembered Mr. Muffett saying something about internships, but I wasn't actually where I was supposed to be, so I only caught the last sentence. So I decided to email Mr. Muffett and see what happens. After a series of emails, I had an interview set up to intern at SSI. The interview went very well and I have now been interning at SSI for about six months.

I staffed the first two weeks of the SSI summer program and I attended as a student the third week. I was stunned when I sat down at the staff meeting on Sunday afternoon. This was a group of individuals committed to doing what the Lord has laid on their heart! The first week of SSI really impacted me. Being told every day that God has a destiny for you and He always has will do something to you! The people I met that week were so sincere, and had such a heart for God it made me strive that much harder to learn God's will for me.

I also staffed the second week of camp. WOW! That's about all I can say for that week. I learned about obedience, and commitment. You have to be committed to God 100% and let Him use you. You can not say ok I'm a Christian, bless me God! And then just walk away. you have to say, "OK I'm a Christian, how are you going to use me today Lord?"

The third week of camp I was a Senator. I learned about work ethic, working in and with a group, how to listen, how to lead, and self-respect. A lot of times when I was working with my caucus I had to take the role of listener. I am the student now and I need to act like it. That was a stretch for me, a break in the routine. It was a very good thing for me though, because it made me take a serious look at everything. This wasn't just another week at camp, it was my week. It was Erin learning time, and I meant it.

We won both of our bills that week, and through the blood, sweat and tears it was all worth it in the end. SSI Has taught me a lot of things this summer, but the main theme was this, God has a destiny for me. He always has, and He always will. I have to totally and completely apply myself to His goals and plans for my life. I have to focus on what He says, and try to listen and obey. This life is not going to be easy, but in the end we know it's the right thing. We don't do it for fame or glory; we do it because of what Jesus has done for us. And I'd say that anyone who was willing to go through the worst kind of torturous death for me is worth giving my heart and soul to. Thank You SSI for teaching me that God loves me and has a destiny for my life. I HAVE A DESTINY!