The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Jonathan F. during the 2011-2012 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience
'Government camp' was really fun and a great experience. I built friendships and learned a lot about government. When I first arrived there I was nervous, although I did not want to admit it. When I went to my dorm, I put my suitcase and personal items in the first room that had a bottom bunk. I roomed with three strangers. Shortly after I put my things in the room I met two of my roommates, Kyle Edwards and Benjamin Olsen. They had gone through the representative track the year before. It was helpful because they were able to inform me of some of the things to look for and to do during the week.
At this point I was feeling a bit better about this experience, but I was still nervous to meet the leaders. Once I met them I had respect for them and my anxiety was eased. After the introduction I was told that I along with all the other students would have to give a speech on the representative floor at the state capital. We were divided into our caucuses. My caucus, “Washington red”, would be the group of people that I would work with to prepare opposing and supporting arguments of the bills for the rest of the week.
During the week to come I attended various lectures from different gentlemen; I found some better than others. I learned a lot from these lectures, although some things were more of review for me. A few of the lectures covered worldview, creation, and evolution.
Half way through the week I spoke publicly for the first time. The media track asked my caucus questions about our bill. This was one of the times when my stomach went numb and I could not seem to talk. I answered there questions but it was a sample of the fear I needed to work through by the end of the week.
The next day I had to do more public speaking; this was not as bad because it was not in front of as many people as the day before. Talking with my caucus and other friends, I found out that they had the same nervous feeling that I had. When I gave my speech on Friday I was not as nervous as I had been at the beginning of the week: however my knees were still slightly wobbly.
On Tuesday, we were divided into teams and played games. We played basketball, ultimate Frisbee, a game that involved blowing a ping pong ball off the opposing team’s edge of the table, volleyball, and transferring water into a bucket with foam cups while having your leg tied to a teammate. These were all fun games and my team was fairly successful at all of them.
The research and writing for my speech was easy compared to giving the speech in front of the large audience and parents. I chose to be one of the last people to speak for my caucus. The decision to go last gave me time to calm myself while everyone else was giving their speeches. And I was able to give my speech successfully and it made my parents very proud.
It was a fun week and I am looking forward to next year. It was a very valuable experience. I was baffled at how awesome the week was!
Next summer, I plan to participate in the business track because it looks interesting. The idea of owning a business is intriguing to me, as well as, being able to run it along with my teammates. I know that next summer will be fun and full of learning at SSI.
