The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Paul P. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience Report
As the SSI campus came into view, I found myself growing more nervous, but at the same time my slightly guarded enthusiasm was coming out as well. I had ridden up with people I didn't know, which was a new experience for me. My grandfather had passed not long ago, and the rest of my family needed to attend a memorial service at his retirement home. We contacted a nearby family planning on attending SSI, and they were fine with having me travel with them. So I did. I left their vehicle a bit smarter than when I entered it, although I still had not fully realized how enjoyable it could be to be more outgoing.
What I did next is very much evidence to this: I went from room to room at the boys' dorm, looking for one that was still vacant. For some reason, even though I knew that I was going to end up with a full room anyway, I couldn't bring myself to choose any that had even one student in it. After bringing the last of my luggage into my room, I headed towards the main building. I was still nervous at this point; I had no idea if SSI was going to live up to my expectations.
I was going to be a Senator for a week, and I had no idea just what that would entail. All that Mr. Muffet had told us about it was that we would be hoity-toity all week and that we could change our bills if we wanted to. Once the students had all sat down, "furniture" (If you don't know him by his nickname, you haven't been coming to SSI) proceeded to give one of the worst icebreakers I have been a part of. He himself recognized this fact, and because of that, I immediately knew he was cool. And he was. I grew to know him and several of the camp aids pretty well, and I was impressed throughout at how willing they were to talk and share and help in any way they were able.
The students were just as enjoyable as the faculty. The atmosphere at SSI was very casual and fun loving. The students were very inclusive, and many a game of ping-pong or eight ball helped break the ice even more. They were also a great help on numerous occasions (at least those that I was in contact with), and never shirked from critically analyzing one another's speeches and documents. But most importantly of all, the students (ok, the faculty too) made sure that our time at SSI was never boring. The work itself was almost as fun as the games we played (except for field day; the work was a lot more fun than field day). A perfect example of this would be our caucus meetings, which were some of the most hilarious activities of the week. We (almost) never let that get in the way of our productivity, however. Everyone finished their speeches on time, and no person in my group slacked off from their duties. When the time came for us to speak or attempt to pass bogus amendments and the like, we were ready. The students weren't the only speakers that were well prepared though.
The lecturers were excellent in this respect and were experts in their field. I found myself learning and growing with every one of them. They were passionate about their topics and cared that their message was spread, not for their own sakes so much as ours. What has most impressed me about them, however, was that the fact that (as far as I could tell) all of the teachers spoke in line with the word of God throughout. But no good thing lasts forever, and one day the lectures had all been spoken, and all of the students prep work was finished. Which means in short that it was time for the debate.
We stood before the capitol, near bubbling over with anticipation and excitement- the day of the debates had come. It was great being able to present our speeches in the capitol building, where caucus members can confide, discuss, and sit in fluffy seats yet feel incredibly official at the same time. I was largely impressed by the speeches of my fellow Senators during that day; they had improved considerably since their first year. Not one bill among the Senate passed that week, which was pretty irregular, but I know how it feels to lose on two bills, so I'm glad each caucus was able to succeed in one of their debates. After we left the capitol, Mr. Muffet said his closing speech, all of our goodbyes were spoken, and it was time to go home.
Student Statesmanship Institute has really been a blessing in a lot of ways for me. I believe it helped me with my spiritual growth, between the lectures and the devotionals. It helped me to come out of my shell, meet some new people, and gain some new friends. Oh yes, it has also impressed upon me the desire to become a Senator or at least a Representative someday. And who knows? With S.T.E.A.L.T.H. in operation, I might just make it.
