Angelina Maniti
California State University San Marcos, Senior
Construction Coordinator, Smith River 2017
United Methodist Church of Vista
It’s a blessing to have spent eight wonderful summers with SSP serving as a youth volunteer and a staff member. Never has SSP failed me when it comes to learning new lessons and skills that will last a lifetime.
One of those life lessons is never letting fear keep you from doing what you love. One of my fondest and most memorable SSP trips was when I was a youth volunteer at Fort Hall, Idaho in 2012. The summer’s theme was “Love > Fear.” This theme resonated with me because in my life, out of the two choices, fear always won.
Only at SSP can you serve communities, make new friends, learn new skills, and be able to explore your faith.
I had been to SSP four times, and had a great admiration and love for the organization. I enjoyed being completely immersed in the community that SSP creates, as well as serves. SSP brings out something unique in people. Only at SSP can you serve communities, make new friends, learn new skills, and be able to explore your faith.
I’ve always loved SSP, yet I never had intentions to apply for staff. I had this fear of the responsibility of being a role model to hundreds of volunteers. I’m someone who prefers the side lines and is more of an observer. The thought of a position where I had to be leading a large group was frightening.
The 2012 staff in Fort Hall helped me realize that if you have a passion for something, you can’t let fear stand in your way. The key to overcoming fear is having total and complete trust in yourself, and in God.
It’s empowering and humbling to have the opportunity to be a role model at SSP.
My doubt in myself and fear of being a role model can’t stop me from pursuing my love of SSP and the work we do. In choosing love instead of fear, I applied to be on staff in 2016, and again in 2017. As I look back, I remember each staffer from 2012 and the impact their leadership had on me.
I count my lucky stars I chose love and had faith that my experience and skills would be valuable in leading teams. Leadership is not something you can learn from a book. Leadership can only grow through experiences. I’m grateful that SSP provides a safe place for young people to have these experiences. It’s empowering and humbling to be a role model at SSP.
Editor’s note: Angelina most recently served on staff in Smith River, CA as a Construction Coordinator. She is a Leadership Academy fellow and her story is the fifth of the #mySSPstory series highlighting SSP staff leaders and their stories. Join Angelina and apply for 2018 summer staff!