Generation Joshua taught me to dream.

For a long time, I have been a member of Generation Joshua. This organization changed my life and is a major part of who i'am as a person.

They had this camp "IGovern" where we'd act out the parts of senators and congressmen, and we'd act in a scenario. I went to IGovern in 2010 for the first time. Before I arrived I looked up everything I could about the part I was to portray.  I was a senator, and unanimously elected Senate Minority Leader.  The scenario was: Turkey and Russia were at war, and somehow we got pulled into it. Basically IGovern 2010 was a repeat of the War of 1812! We had our War Hawks, who caused an entire senate committee to get thrown out of the library by chanting; "ANNEX CANADA!!!", we had our peacedoves, and I--- Senate Minority Leader Hausheer, tried to find common ground. We got pretty divided, until worship. Jenaye White, the Gold Party's Vice President started playing "From the Inside Out" on the piano, the whole room sung and to this day, my eyes fill with tears thinking of that moment. Everybody; Gold and Blue Parties, Conservative and Libertarian, War Hawk or Peacedove--- we were all ONE body in Christ. I found where I belonged, my whole life I was searching for a group of people who would accept me and share my love of politics--- I found it. Generation Joshua kids (most of them ;)) never judged me, my GenJ friends appreciated and respected me, they always looked out for me. I cannot speak for all Generation Joshua kids, since it is a large group not every kid is amazing. The kids I was friends with however, were AMAZING. You know who you are, if you are reading this--- you are my friend and I love you.

My life goal was confirmed at IGovern East 2010. I was pondering for a couple years, the thought of running for public office. IGovern East made me find my calling. God wants me to serve in public office, the legislative branch. Not to be an average politician, but to be a stateswoman. To make a difference in the world. I cannot bear the thought of living without making a huge impact in the world around me, history and in my country.  I want not just to be another person aimlessly roaming the earth, I want a purpose. I want to inspire generations of Americans after me. To be a beacon of honesty and truth, to take a stand for my values of freedom but do so with all reason and tact.


I attended a "Student Action Team" in Annapolis, Maryland and campaigned for now Congressman Andy Harris.


IGovern 2011 had an exciting scenario. I returned as a senator, but in the scenario we were on the brink of a civil war. I ran for vice president for the Gold Party, as a VP candidate I felt I learned hands-on about the campaign process, I always knew about it--- but living it out was a different matter. I met my hero, the real life Senator Jim DeMint. DeMint inspired me to do something very brave. The last day of the scenario, I held the senate floor. I spoke for states rights and nullification, since I felt if I turned against these issues I would feel uneasy to betray my principals just to win the Vice Presidency.  We hammered out a compromise, and avoided Civil War at the end of that week.


I went that year down to Virginia to help elect Suzanne Volpe.


IGovern 2012 was the last IGovern I ever did as a student. Technically, since I was 18 I was too old. However, Will Estrada allowed me to seek a third term in the senate. IGovern 2012 was my least favorite year because it was my last.  Some kids played diplomats from foreign countries, I was still a senator though (from South Carolina.)   Many of the kids were younger then me, but I tried to gain influence in the senate. In the senate, I spoke about each bill, formed coalitions, and told senators how to vote. Seniority is very important in the real life senate ;)    I learned how to compromise, and when to compromise.  Although, there is a time for standing on principle. I supported the right of states to ignore unconstitutional federal laws, and I wrote a bill on it. By the time this bill came before the senate floor I was alone in doing a loud and resounding; "YEA!" everybody else voted "Nay." I would do it again though.



I went to a Student Action Team in Loudoun County, Virginia and was assistant leader on the Bravo Team.



Never before had I met a group of such determined kids then I had at Generation Joshua. Most of these kids are full of a fervor and passion, that I love. Most of them are intellectual and smart and not afraid to show it.

Generation Joshua Adults and Kids have inspired me, I want to give Generation Joshua back what they gave me all these years. Hopefully, when the time comes I can join the Leadership Corps.  I was inspired by the lessons, even though I knew most of them, GenJ installed in me a deeper love and yearning. I also loved debating and discoursing with others. GenJ taught me; that it is alright to be different, I have the most amazing friends ever, politics is amazingly fun, stand for your principles--- even if you are standing alone, it is alright to compromise just be sure it is the right time and place, with God anything is possible.


This is a challenging task to summarize on one mere blog post how much Generation Joshua has met to me. I love it so dearly, I love everybody who made my experience as awesome as it is. I'm so thankful God put you in my life.  Without you, i'd be so lonely, the only person on earth interested in politics. You have opened my eyes to my; dreams, ambitions and friendship. I will cherish the lessons of Generation Joshua forever. Those who disagreed with me politically to, I'm thankful for you :)
For those of you new to GenJ, I hope you have as much fun as I did!

Thank you Generation Joshua! I hope to pass my torch someday when it is time so others may benefit from what you have taught me. I will continue the dreams y'all have installed deep within my heart, and never lose them. I will keep my morals and my beliefs like y'all taught me to. I hope many of us do go on to serve in public office, Lord-willing. 


May God bless you,

Emily R. Hausheer


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