By Ava O’Donnell
People often talk about ‘trauma bonds’, when a link is formed between two or more people as a result of a shared traumatic experience. This is not at all, of course, how I would describe Ambassadors at OLu; however, there exists the same essence of growing closer and stronger in friendship as a result of trials and adversity, not dissimilar to the expected growth of friendship for people at a competitive school or company.
Ambassadors recalls many moments—timid words to adults I wish I could recall the names of, a desperate scrub of the hallway floor (stained by Sharpie) with a Tide Pen, quiet devotions before meetings, empty snack carts, the scrape of tall stools in the art room as we are seated for a meeting, and delicious sweet treats brought on occasion. The primary focus of this month, February, points to the real significance made through time on the team. Valentine’s Day is for loved ones, but the love of a strong bond itself is what has drawn me repeatedly back to reflection on Ambassadors.
Other aspects of student life, whether they be intense club sports, rigorous courses, caring for family, or working, contribute unique opportunities for internal growth out of necessity. The coach pressures the players, the deflated grade point average makes a late-night laborer of a tired student, and the younger sibling requires control. Ambassadors, and student leadership in general, highlights the particular shining point of life that high school is by making performance something more than an externally motivated choice. Run by student presidents, members of the team who attend events cannot be forced into shape and professionalism by teachers. The guidance lent from student to student is what sets the team apart—bonds are made stronger through overcoming frustrations, logistical errors, and even anger at one another.
In contrast to competitive programs of specific disciplines made for ambitious high school students (such as sports, arts, or clubs), the range of experience and creativity brought to Ambassadors is a testament to how well a ‘melting pot’ of effort can unite. Rather than being focused toward one specific interest or discipline, I have had the privilege to meet people with great motivation for all kinds of pursuits, and who are in each of their own ways talented and responsible for a bright future.
This diversity, fused with a will to lead or at least communicate on an honest level in order to work with others (and out of respect for others), displays a microcosm of the strength of bonds that can form in such an environment.
The ultimate separator of my team from mediocrity is not blind favor, raw talent, or a completely homogenous vision, but a common willingness to acknowledge the unique nature of skill and effort from each individual; with this comes respect, trust, and the ability to forge resilient relationships through which we may rely on each other and succeed collectively.