Of course, many of these assembly parts are embellished to make them more "encouraging". I was stunned the first time I had the "privilege" of conducting one of these parts (sort of a entry level part for folks trying to climb up the ladder to DC parts). First, the POs (COBOE now) from the other congregations I called blew me off when I asked if they knew anyone with the type of experience I was looking for. Then, when I told the CO, his response was to find someone who sort of fit the experience and then "work with them" to make it fit. I responded that I thought it was a little dishonest and said that he was confident that somewhere in the circuit, the actual experience had taken place and that many were shy. So, he said I could think of it as a demonstration of what could happen as opposed to an actual experience. Of course, they are always presented as actual experiences.
babygirl30 - seriously your experience would actually be more "encouraging" (sorry, it creeps me out typing that) to the average rank & file than some of these overly hyped ones. You are dead on about the sports scholarships! I've heard those stories too and agree that is complete BS.
Usually these "scholarship" offers are either 1) kids like babygirl30 who had every intention of going to school but got talked out of it at the last minute or 2) aren't real offers but merely suggestions from guidance consoler that you may qualify if you apply. Usually it's #2.
