The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Paul P. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Final Report
The Ambassador League assignments have stretched me in ways few other things have in life, unique and numerous as could be. From extensive bible studies, to community service, to observing various governmental processes, SSI made sure to keep me on my toes. Not easy, but well worth it. Even though sometimes I was almost driven crazy by the work that was required of us, I’m going to miss being a part of the Ambassador League. I am very blessed to have been a part of this program.
What I have learned during my observations of every thing from the school board to the senate will definitely help me out immensely now and in the future. Although I have a lot more to learn, I feel much less naïve about the various sessions I was able to observe. Likewise, my interviews have only heightened my curiosity about the various jobs people hold. I was able to interview my pastor and get to know him better. I interviewed people who've started their own business, organization, or church. I’ve interviewed a psychotherapist, a firefighter/chaplain, and a media ministry overseer. I definitely have a much greater understanding of these positions than I did previously.
In a more general sense, I now know much better what questions I should be asking in life. I have also become more biblically perceptive because of the bible studies. My confidence has increased substantially throughout this program, something that is very evident even in the recordings of my interviews.
SSI has given me opportunities I would have otherwise never experienced. How many kids have ever had the opportunity to be mentored by the mayor of a city? And yet, there I was with Mr. Barnett, mayor of Rochester Hills, learning about the functions of City Hall. Or how many have ever had the pleasure of meeting former congressman Joe Knollenburg in person? But there I was, campaigning for him; shaking his hand and talking with him.
The people working with SSI and the Ambassador League were extremely helpful throughout the year. They were always very willing to answer any of the numerous questions I had, and helped keep me going more than once. I will always appreciate their hard work and dedication, something that has helped keep SSI and it's vision alive.
If you're reading this paper and considering whether you should take on Mission: Possible with the Ambassador League, I say go for it! I won't pretend it's easy. It never was meant to be. But what the AM League was intended for it accomplishes. It is a yearlong, biblically based leadership program that excels at getting those who participate involved with their community and government.
One of the things that makes me so grateful about SSI is that even though the tasks I was given were far from easy, I loved doing them. I hadn't done most of them before because I had never had the gumption, drive, or opportunity to do so. It took a program like SSI to get me out there. And I know that I will be more involved in the community in the future because of this amazing program. Thank you SSI, for an incredible year!
