The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Richard P. during the 2009-2010 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience
"You're late, Rick," I heard. "Yup," I thought as I returned from mailing my registration form. I thought that maybe, just maybe, I'd escaped the sentence of attending SSI's dreaded Mock Trial program. That track was not my first choice.
As it turned out, I was wrong. When the return letter came stating that I was in the Mock Trial program I was more than nervous; I was scared out of my mind. I had thoughts of memorizing the Constitution, studying the Reader's Digest: Laws and You book that my Grandma had given me, and reviewing a mountain of important cases. I knew I'd have a good time; I just wasn't sure how much work I was in for at SSI that summer. But I did little preparation beyond reading the Constitution several times, and arrived Sunday July 5, 2009 braced for a rough week.
Looking back I'm not quite sure why I was worried. I learned a ton, worked a lot, and had a blast along the way. The connections I made were awesome and the total experience was priceless.
Though I had a great time the work was steady. Most of my breaks were spent doing research and writing up arguments, questions, and thoughts. Because I was used to the schedule of the Mock Legislative track, I found the time constraints of the trial course to be tough. I had to study a lot more. I had to say “no” to basketball, football, and even volleyball games to complete my assignments.
Thursday night finally came around and it was to be the pivotal moment of the week. My team presented its evidence in a complex case involving drugs, an unmarried couple living together, and an accusation of first degree murder.
Our group was ready. We had gone from groaning about defending an obviously guilty person to believing in our case. Now the fireworks began.
My job on the defense team was to head the direct questioning of Dianne Lynch, the defendant, and to be in charge of our closing arguments. My questions were nothing special. But delivering the closing argument was like dropping a bomb. Thanks to the team, I tore the other side's arguments to shreds. Although I only spoke briefly, I was confident of victory.
Those few minutes were the best few minutes I've ever had at SSI. My goal is to be a corporate lawyer and I could see all of preparations for such a career come alive during this experience. I was with friends and family and doing what I loved. I felt like I was born to do this.
We cleared the defendant of four of the five charges, with the last charge dismissed because of a “hung jury.” Ecstatic, everyone poured their energies into celebrating. Right after the jury stated its decisions, SSI had its talent show. All of the enthusiasm about the week came forth as I played an original piece on the piano. My joy was evident.
The Student Statesmanship Institute has been a blessing to me for years. I've attended three times now and am registered for my fourth. I consider it one of the highlights of the year. I learn more intellectually and spiritually during that week than I do for the rest of the summer. Each year I leave invigorated to do my best - in how I carry myself in every arena of life and how I shine the truth of Christ. Above all SSI combines competence with Christ to produce revolutionary leaders in every field imaginable. I'm honored to participate in SSI.
