For many of the most formative years of my life, Patriot Academy has made a profound impact on me. From friendship and mentorship to leadership opportunities and Constitutional education, I have gleaned and grown in so many ways. Let me tell you some of the lessons I have learned through this organization.
Informed & Engaged
From Biblical Citizenship, I learned the importance of being an engaged American, even as a young person. The next generation is inheriting this country, so we need to build our lives on the values America was built on so we can continue to preserve them. Even though I am on my third time watching the course, something new stands out every time!
From Constitutional Defense, I learned the ethics and morality behind self-defense. I was struggling to control my mindset during certain exercises in the class, but the instructors guided my thinking and therefore guided my actions. It was such a great environment to learn how to safely use a firearm!
From the Summer Intensive, I learned about church history, apologetics, philosophy, worldview, Socratic discussion, and so much more. I learned the value of hard work that made me sweat and smile with my friends. I learned the most meaningful moments can happen at 2:00 in the morning, staring at the stars and talking about big questions. This experience brought me closer to the Lord and showed me what a true, Christ-centered community looks like.
The Blessing of Mentorship
And finally, Leadership Congress. Oh, how do I even count the lessons I have learned from this program? I learned to stand by my convictions while keeping an open mind to new perspectives and points of view. I learned to speak with character, clarity, and confidence. I learned how to write and defend legislation to fight for something I believe in, and how to fight for others as well. I learned how to organize an effective campaign, both as a simulation and when I was running for Lt. Governor. Through positions like Vice Chair, Chair, and Governor of a Regional Congress, I learned the importance and impact of servant leadership. And I learned about the immense value of having mentors in my life.
Growing up, I didn’t really have any peers I could look up to as mentor figures. That all changed when I came to Patriot Academy. I found friends there who encouraged me in my gifts and strengths, challenged me to grow in areas where I am weak, and believed in me. Through interactions and conversations with these mentors, I have been able to wrestle with hard questions, gain insight into Scripture, and thrive as the woman God created me to be. And now I get to pay it forward! Since 2024, I have been privileged to mentor 24 freshmen and second-year students attending Leadership Congresses across the country. I am so blessed by each of these young ladies, their passion and patriotism, and the ways they want to make a difference in our country. I am blessed to be entrusted with their questions, thoughts, stories, and other bits of their daily lives.
A Lasting Impact
I personally love Patriot Academy mentorship so much because it is not temporary—it leaves a lasting impact. Sometimes I lose touch with my mentors and mentees, but I know my mentors will always be there for me when I need advice or a listening ear, and I hope my mentees know the same about me. Mentorship is a two-way street; both people involved gain so much from the relationship. My Patriot Academy mentors have helped me grow in ways I never thought possible, and now I get to pay it forward by pouring into others. That is the most significant impact I have noticed from mentorship: it equips people to one day mentor someone else.
I can’t thank Patriot Academy enough for everything they have done to shape me into the person I am today. I would not be as strong in my convictions, as much of a confident presenter, or as blessed with incredible friends and mentors if I had never entered this community. The Lord is using Patriot Academy in mighty ways, and I am so thankful to be a small part of it!
Emily Kastens is a proud patriot and a Colorado native. She is a five-time Leadership Congress grad and is currently serving as Lieutenant Governor for the National LC. Emily is a third-grade teacher and recently started a Constitution and Communication Club for high school students, using resources from Patriot Academy. Outside of the education and political realm, Emily enjoys creating art, writing songs on her ukulele, and enjoying a conversation with friends over a good matcha.
