"I'm a [state] representative and you're going to represent our country, our state," began state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, as he addressed the group of student ambassadors.

The students have been meeting once a month to familiarize themselves with the duties of an ambassador and learn what to expect during their 19-day visit to France, Italy and Spain.

The Mediterranean Tradition trip begins on July 10 as part of the People to People program.

Day said he is excited every day on his job in Harrisburg and wants them to be excited also.

"You're going to countries where people participate in government," he said. "The most important thing is to embrace what you are doing.

"I'm here to speak today and I'll enjoy it and make a connection with people," Day said. "Thank you for this privilege."

Day said the students were a group of people who will be one step ahead in life.

"Try as much as you can, seize the future," he advised them.

Day said they would learn a lot and would need to find ways to communicate with people who don't speak English.

He said he grew up during a time when people talked about "enemies."

President Dwight Eisenhower, the People to People founder, said education and understanding were better ways to avoid war.

"You can learn best from people your own age," Day said. "Grasp this. Don't shirk away from the opportunity. Your elected representative may say this or that, but you can say 'I met …," You'll have experience to form your opinions."

He brought lapel pins for each of the ambassadors with the U.S. and state flag.

He brought two pins of each, one for the students to trade and one for them to wear.

Day explained Europeans highly regard their citizenship.

The French, Italians and Spanish have great pride in their countries, he said. He anticipates the students will return from their trip with a better understanding of other peoples.

Day told the students he has a Facebook friend in Germany and learns from the pictures because he does not know the language.

He took a page from history and told them the French aided the American Colonists gain their independence.

Italians came to America with a flood of immigrants.

The Americans helped Europe in World War I and II and all we asked in return was a place to bury our dead.

Barbara Campbell, an organizer for the program, said they would be visiting a cemetery for the war dead in Rome.

She said two years ago another group of students visited Omaha Beach and a French couple came up to them and said, "Merci [thanks]."

"Everyone's heritage reaches beyond the United States," Day said. "Embrace your opportunity and the community will be much better.

"We must maintain relationships with these countries."

During a later question-and-answer period, Daywas asked about his future in politics and whether he would consider running foe senator.

The state representative said her would have to give a lot of thought to what he would do.

"It's a young man's game," he said.

He also was asked about his greatest achievement.

"Marrying my wife," he replied quickly, adding Allentown's Lights in the Parkway was his greatest achievement.

He was executive assistant in the city during former Mayor Bill Heydt's time in office.

In sixth or seventh grade he also had the opportunity to visit Germany, Spain or France but did not embrace the opportunity.

"I learned a lot about relationships with other countries and am proud of you," he said.

He told the students to emphasize how good Pennsylvania is that it is a great place to live, work and play. Europeans have a much older history but there is a lot in Pennsylvania, too.

Day said his motivation for politics came from a choice of law school and political science, but there was no thrill with either of them, so he studied economics.

The Campbells continued the program with some steps toward safety.

Standards for success as an ambassador are to be aware and take care. The students were advised to keep their heads up and eyes open.

They were told not to give strangers their room locations and to carry money inside their clothes. The students were told to pack good walking shoes, layered clothing and have long pants, if the weather turns cold.

Tom Campbell advised them to share with others.

"There is a benefit to sharing," Campbell said. "Represent yourself, family, state and country.

"Maintain a higher standard than a tourist."

Always be on time and follow local cell phone guidelines - and never use one during an activity.