In his famous speech "A Time for Choosing," Ronald Reagan stated, "You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We'll preserve for our children, this the last best hope of man on earth, or we'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness."
Reagan challenges his audience to educate the next generation, to stand for liberty and patriotism, and preserve America for the rising generation.
His charge does not apply to only one generation, but every generation of Americans, young and old.
At an early age, I fell in love with history, American history in particular. I read many tales of victory and defeat, love and sacrifice, honor and duty, leadership and wisdom. Out of this love of American history grew a love for storytelling.
What is the difference between storytelling and writing, you may ask? Allow me to expound: writing is done for self-pleasure or personal gain. Many authors today are writers; they churn out novels. But the actual message of the story does not seem to serve a purpose, other than for entertainment.
Storytelling, however is completely different.
A storyteller weaves a tale of hope, a tale of joy and sadness, a tale that serves a purpose. Whether the main point is duty, liberty, servant leadership, or love, a story causes the reader to pause and think.
My main passion, besides storytelling, is politics. I have watched as my country has tumbled down deeper into a bottomless pit of debt, abandoned its morals, and neglected the next generation of Americans almost entirely.
Ronald Reagan’s words resonating within my heart, I felt called to be more, to do more, to act on behalf of my country.
My search for a way to learn more and take action led me to Patriot Academy where I experienced a life-changing moment. At Patriot Academy, I learned alongside a hundred other young people how our system of government operates, and specifically the principles on which our founders and framers based our great nation.
At the conclusion of every Congress, each student is invited, during a solemn graduation ceremony, to sign their name beneath the names of those fifty-six men who contributed to the founding our great nation. Not a single student can take this commitment lightly, not after hearing how all those brave men sacrificed at our country’s beginnings.
After returning home, I could not rest.
If I had possessed an ember inside of me before Patriot Academy, I now barely contained a raging fire.
What could I do for my country? My answer came in the form of Convention of States.
When I first heard of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), I was doubtful of myself and my abilities. I felt the fire of patriotism, but I wondered if I would thrive in the program, or crash and burn. The program was rigorous, and I was just starting to take college credit classes. Could I handle the work load?
Nervously, I applied to the program. After two interviews in as many weeks, I was offered a place in the program. Truth be told, I almost turned down the position out of fear that I would not thrive at the organization.
But in my moment of doubt, I prayed and felt called by God to accept, despite my fear and misgivings.
A mere week into the program, I knew Convention of States was where I belonged. Convention of States is an organization of passionate people, people who respect one another and care deeply about the future of our country. ELP gave me access to these incredible people, honed my professionalism, and strengthened my faith.
Through the reading material and weekly discussions with the other interns, I dug into the roots of Christianity, Western Civilization, American history, Servant Leadership, and Statesmanship.
I do not doubt that God put me in this internship for a reason; it has made me the person I am today.
Not only was my overall lifestyle influenced by my time in ELP, but my passion for storytelling grew exponentially during my time as an intern as well. Every week, the readings for our weekly discussions, whether it was Cicero, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbs, or Locke, pushed me to examine the purpose behind my passion. It was not merely for pleasure, but a deeper purpose.
My generation is not fully prepared to inherit America. We have largely lost the biblical values and principles that formed the foundation of our country. We have also lost the sense of patriotism and duty necessary to keep the American dream alive.
It is through stories infused with purpose - a revived passion for American history - that our country will be renewed.
Organizations such as Patriot Academy and Convention of States are taking action on Ronald Reagan’s mandate: they are training up the next generation. I have taken up that charge as well.
After ELP, my life will not be the same, but in the best way possible. I press on into an uncertain future, imbued with a sense of duty, of passion, of patriotism, of faith, of honor, and of hope.
I will conclude with this quote from President John F. Kennedy:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
Join me in the fight to light the fire in America’s next generation and uphold the principles upon which our country was founded. Learn more about Convention of States HERE.
