The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Joel M. during the 2009-2010 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience
Student Statesmanship Institute was and still is going to be, a great experience. Every year I have come, I have grown closer to God, learned something new, and made new friends. It is just such a great experience, spiritually as well as mentally and physically. If you want to have an incredible time, SSI is the place to go.
My first two years at SSI, I was very excited for the week, and frankly, a little nervous as well. I was very eager because I knew lots of people that were coming the same week as me. Since I wasn't completely sure what I was going to be doing, I was apprehensive and had a few butterflies going in. Once I got thrown into the activities of the week, I didn't have time to be nervous. Also, besides being anxious and keyed up for the week, I was generally happy to be there. Both of the weeks I have attended have been very exciting and fulfilling.
All of the different experiences I've had at SSI throughout the weeks have been immensely enjoyable. The first year, I had a crash course on doing research and formulating an argument into a speech, and my second year, I had a bill I personally disagreed with. Learning to argue against what I believed in was hard, but it taught me how to look at an issue from both sides. One of my favorite parts of the weeks has always been chapel. I've always felt so close to God during it, and come away with encouragement and something to think on each night. Another great aspect of SSI is how close you get to your roommates throughout the week. Personally, my roommates and I had many, many amazing talks each night about anything you can think of. The atmosphere of SSI is a tremendous blessing as well. Being surrounded by so many godly and genuinely nice people is a great experience to have.
After SSI was finished and I had gone home, I was sad. Yet, I knew that what I had just experienced and learned God would use in my life. Once a couple days had gone by, I was already excited for the next year of SSI. In addition, I was and still am extremely thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to attend such a great program.
Each year that I have attended SSI, I have been influenced in a different way. The major aspect of the week that has impacted me, is how close I feel to God throughout the week, and how I grow in my faith with Him. Also, seeing all of the volunteers who don't get any physical gain out of helping out, encourage me to serve as selflessly as they do. In addition, attending both weeks, and going through the program, I have so much respect for our state legislators and what they do.
Looking back, both years of SSI have been a great blessing in my life. Not only did I make new friends and learn many things, I grew closer to God, realizing that He is the only thing that matters in life. And in the end, that is the most important thing.
