The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Shaina D. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Ambassador League Report
It feels as though I just joined the Ambassador League. This year has been the fastest that I can remember. When I first joined the Ambassador League I didn't really know what to expect. We were in the middle of moving, and I wondered how I would able to get all of the assignments done. I was treasurer on the student council at my co-op and had enrolled in my first college course. I also began studying for the ACT exam. If I could offer advice to someone considering joining the Ambassador League, it would be to sign up as soon as you enter high school. The program encourages you to get out of your comfort zone. The required projects also help you to grow spiritually.
I was blessed to have a wonderful mentor. Our meetings were lively and full of encouraging ideas. She was always eager to hear about the assignments that I had completed, and motivated me to set goals for finishing the balance of the assignments. When the year began, I questioned the value of having a mentor. However, as the year progressed, I knew that this requirement was a worthwhile experience as well.
My Ambassador League experience began with volunteer work for a political campaign. This was challenging because we were in the middle of a move. But, since the election was only two months away, I decided to take the opportunity to volunteer. It was a very tiring experience, but informative. During the following months, I tried to find the balance necessary in order to maintain my studies at home, college, and also incorporate the Ambassador League assignments.
I enjoyed attending my local council meeting. It was a smaller version of the legislative sessions that take place at the capitol. Since it was a local event, it was easy to get to. However, the timing was difficult as the sessions are held in the evenings. Still this was much less of a challenge that attending a legislative session and committee meeting. Getting to Lansing took much more coordination but, we made a family outing of it. We had to leave home before the capital offices opened and were unsure if the sessions were still being held. It is better to view these sessions before the summer season.
Writing the letters to the editors was fun. One of the editors was a Christian and responded to my letter. I discovered that I really enjoy exercising my freedom of speech. I also enjoyed volunteering for a non- profit organization. I divided my time between two organizations with community outreach programs. One of the organizations was a community garden that supplies organic fruits and vegetables for Forgotten Harvest. It was rewarding to know that I was a part of helping to feed the hungry. I was there when the local paper came to interview the founder, and I was interviewed as well. The article was published two weeks later. While researching volunteer organizations within my community, I discovered that there were many opportunities available. I plan to continue serving as volunteer within my community.
The interview process was great. Although I didn't believe it at the time, I really stretched and was able to go outside of my comfort zone. Each interview got easier. The last interview, I thought to bring my camera and so that I could film the interview. It was a great experience. One unexpected benefit was that I received an invitation to volunteer in a communications office. Since this is an area of interest for me, I was very excited.
Last but certainly not least, were the Bible study assignments. I turned the bible into a family project as they became my classmates. I learned that some of the subjects were so close that I would find myself researching the wrong subject. For example, I began to research verses about God's grace, only to discover that I was supposed to study His mercy. I got a laugh out that and His grace was sufficient. While these were the most challenging assignments, they were also the most rewarding.
I cannot close this commentary about my experiences without mentioning a book called Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner. This book was my favorite on the required reading list. The author wrote about many of the concepts and ideas that I have learned throughout my year in the Ambassador League.
If I had to do it again, I would. I have taken away priceless experiences. I will never forget some of people that I have met along the way. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is serious about strengthening their walk with Christ and learning how to be salt and light in the world.
