One alum’s advice for making the most of the Summit experience.
If you’re anything like me, you probably have about a thousand questions swirling around in your head before your Summit begins. There’s a first time for everything, and this is one of those times. Take it from an Ambassador Leaders alum, these five helpful tips will help you have a once-in-a-lifetime Summit experience
“The more authentic you are, the more you’ll bond with your group mates. ”
Be yourself and don’t stress out!
The first day of the Summit will be the hardest, and you might feel the need to be someone you’re not. Maybe you’re usually talkative, but you’re quiet on the first day of Summit as you figure things out. Believe me when I say that your group will be totally accepting. Feel free to just be yourself and let your personality shine through! The more authentic you are within the first day or two, the more you’ll bond with your group mates and have a more memorable experience.
Pack for your own comfort!
On your Summit, you will be provided some of the basics, but you should feel free to bring whatever you need from home to make you feel comfortable while you’re away. For example, I forgot to bring my pillow from home, which made it tougher for me to adjust to the different style of bedding in my dorm room. In addition, bring your own shower and healthcare necessities. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!
Don’t limit yourself!
Learn about your group mates’ backgrounds, make friends from other groups, and try new food. In short, challenge yourself! If you open yourself up to new experiences and people, you’ll embolden your group mates to do the same and ultimately bond more as a group.
At my Summit, I was able to learn a lot more than I already knew about New York City, a place that’s only five minutes from me! This was all thanks to one of my group mates, who lived in the New York area. Don’t be afraid to reach new heights in your life that you once thought were unattainable.
Time is precious!
The first day or two might seem like they last forever, but in the blink of an eye, you’ll be saying goodbye to people who changed your life. Take photos and videos, savor the time you spend with your group mates, and stay in the moment. Trust me, the week flies by, and you’re going to remember it almost as if it were a dream. Make the most of your Summit time because it will change your life.
Stay in touch!
I can almost guarantee that once your Summit ends, you’ll miss it immediately. One way to help with the I-miss-my-Summit blues is to stay in touch with the friends you made throughout the week. Create group chats, host video calls, even plan an in-person reunion! Practically anything to keep your group in touch will maintain the family-like bonds that you all share during the Summit.
From an Ambassador Leaders alum to all of you future Ambassador Leaders, I wish you the best of luck on your Summit. I can promise you now that the Summit will change your life entirely. So, don’t stress, make the most of it, and just have fun! You’ll learn new things, you’ll meet new friends, and—most importantly—you’ll have the time of your life.
By Adam Lucas
2017 Ambassador Leaders alum Adam is a junior in high school who spends his spare time writing, filmmaking, and performing magic and comedy on stage. Throughout his life, Adam believed in one motto—to “inspire the many and change the more.” He is best known for his published book, The House Beneath the Woods, with more books to come.