L.E.A.D. took it to L.A. and brought it back to the A

Guest Blogger L.E.A.D. Ambassador Ryan Martin, Benjamin E. Mays High School, Atlanta Public Schools

Describe the trip destination.

The first hotel that we stayed at was at Sheraton Universal in Los Angeles and we checked out Universal Studios. We then left to go to our filming spot, which was in Lancaster, California.

Left to right: Ambassador Emanuel Wilson (Drew Charter), D'Anthony Morrow (Mays HS), Carlos Twine (New Schools at Carver) and Ryan Martin (Mays HS)

What was the purpose of the trip?

The purpose of this trip was to film how we use the Dartfish Express App to develop our baseball skills for college baseball scholarship opportunities.

Why were you chosen to attend this trip?

I was chosen to attend this trip because I have had experience using Dartfish for a while. The core values that I believe I excel in the most are Loyalty, Humility, Teamwork. This also helped me get chosen.

What did you discover about yourself while on this trip?

I discovered that I was very important in the documentary and that without myself and my teammates the documentary would not be complete.

Describe the people that you interacted with while on the trip?

We interacted with a lot of people while on the trip. The person I remember the most was a lady who stayed at the same hotel as us and spoke to us about how we should stay focused on our journey to success. Most youth males only think about what's happening now and not about their future.

What surprised you the most while on the trip?

What surprised me the most was how many people stopped us while we were walking just to ask us who we are, like we were celebrities. I do believe I am a celebrity in a way. When we step out in public people always are interested in finding out who we are 
and even when we work with the middle school kids they look up to us like we are stars.

What was your most memorable moment on the trip?

Going to the air port and skipping half of the bagging line because someone noticed how much we looked like a team.

Who was the most memorable person from the trip?

The most memorable person from the trip was Ms. Barlow because she stopped to talk with us at the hotel. She saw young African American men dressed nice and looking accordingly and was astonished.

What did you learn from the trip that you can use to help L.E.A.D. carry out its mission to empower an at risk generation to lead and transform their city?

I learned that you have to know how to always follow directions. During filming we were given direction and we had to follow them at all times.

What are the top 3 skills that you have learned since becoming an Ambassador that helped you represent L.E.A.D. with excellence 
on this trip?

Public Speaking Skills, following directions, Listening Skills. If you do not follow directions you can not be trusted or coached. Public speaking is also big because people would like to talk to you and have a conversation.

What 3 core values did you have to use each day while on the trip?

Loyalty, Teamwork, Excellence. We worked together a lot so that we could finish the scene. We showed excellence by finishing the documentary.

Describe the trip in 3 words?

Exposure, Opportunity, Privilege. It was a privilege because not all Ambassadors were able to go and I am grateful for being selected.

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