The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Observe - Shadow a Local Leader
With the help of my mentor Kendall Wingrove, I set up a date to job shadow Senator Mark Jansen. From 1996 to 2002, Jansen was a state representative. After his House terms ended, he joined Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and remains active in the organization even now. In 2006, Jansen ran for senator and won in the 28th District.
On February 10, I met Senator Jansen at 7:30 a.m. at the Lowell Park and Ride. This was the start of a long, exciting, and fun day. On the ride to Lansing we talked about policy issues and his staff. When we arrived, we were greeted by Kendall Wingrove who took some quick pictures before we entered the Capitol.
Inside we made our way to Sen. Bishop’s office where a leadership meeting was starting around at 8:30. I was allowed to listen as several Republican senators discussed issues they wanted to address in the next few days.
After the leadership group completed its discussion, I was brought upstairs. Senator Jansen went into a private caucus meeting, which is closed to everyone but the lawmakers. While the legislators met, Mr. Wingrove and I walked around on the Senate floor. We snapped a few pictures and Mr. Wingrove gave some information about several of the paintings hanging in the chamber. As session began, I sat in the gallery. From his microphone of the Senate floor, Senator Jansen introduced me, which was a wonderful surprise. A few moments later the Senate's presiding officer, Lieutenant Governor John Cherry, also welcomed me.
After session ended, we walked to the Farnum Building where Senator Jansen's office is located. I was introduced to the senator’s staff, who were very kind to me and answered whatever questions I had. During the noon hour, I attended a lunch reception that was hosted by health care associates. From the 23rd floor of the Boji Building in downtown Lansing, I enjoyed a breathtaking view of the State Capitol and other surrounding buildings.
After lunch, I labeled booklets on Michigan government and talked with the staff members. When Sen. Jansen arrived back at his office, he allowed me to sit in on several meetings in his personal office. These meetings focused on issues that were taking place back in the Grand Rapids area, where both Senator Jansen and I live.
Later in the afternoon Senator Jansen chaired a committee on adoption which I found very interesting. The committee lasted for two hours before we went back upstairs to his office. Senator Jansen and I talked for awhile in his office about elections, nonprofit involvement, state issues, and a host of other topics before we left to attend the Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Awards Banquet at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
On the way to the banquet, we stopped at a Valentine's Party hosted by Sen. Roger Kahn. Although we arrived after the Habitat banquet started, the dinner was delicious and the keynote speaker Attorney General Emeritus Frank Kelley was superb. The late Millard Fuller, who founded Habitat for Humanity International, was honored along with other individuals who were given awards in gratitude of their service.
On the ride home Senator Jansen and I shared a stimulating conversation. The day was very enlightening and productive. Sen. Jansen introduced me to countless people while also explaining in detail his job as a state senator. It was a day that I will never forget and I am grateful to Kendall Wingrove and Senator Jansen for making it all possible.
