Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

From the Capitol to the Canvas: LEAP’s Austin Adventure Comes to a Close

Written by Brittlyn Jackson and Kayla Fleming

To wrap up an exciting and informative weekend in Austin at the Texas Tribune Festival, LEAP students visited the Blanton Museum of Art. Founded in 1936 and located on the edge of the University of Texas at Austin’s campus (with an astonishing view of the Texas State Capitol), Blanton houses more than 22,000 pieces from a variety of cultures, time periods, and artistic styles.

Professor Yawn pointed out many great artists throughout our visit, including one of his personal favorites, Jerry Bywaters. Bywaters was a Texas regionalist, and his piece, Oil Field Girls, gave us a view of the West Texas landscape and conditions during the 1940s.

We also learned about Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, important artists associated with the Hudson River School who created paintings depicting the American West. Their paintings, The Golden Hour and Indian Canoe, allowed us to see how Americans viewed the West in the late 1800s. The warm tones of what appeared to be a setting sun, along with the beautiful landscapes, made these paintings visually striking and compelling.

We also encountered art pieces from the Spanish Americas, many of which had unknown artists. I noticed a lot of the Spanish art consisted of religious paintings and sculptures. We also came across another Texas native and Latino artist, Luis Jiménez, whose fiberglass sculpture, Border Crossing [Cruzando el Río Bravo], immediately caught my attention. The sculpture itself stands around 4ft tall and features bright neon colors. The sculpture, like most of Jiménez’s work, features bright colors he associates with Mexico, making it all the more captivating.

We then got to see examples of Pop Art, including Andy Warhol’s painting, Farrah Fawcett. We also viewed artists who specialized in cubism and abstraction. One of the most well-known artists we saw was Pablo Picasso, who had two paintings on display when we visited.

We also got to visit Ellsworth Kelly’s chapel, titled Austin, located outside the museum. The Chapel was solid white with geometric designs and colorful stained-glass windows that looked stunning in the light, a staple of Kelly’s work.

My favorite piece personally was Madam C. J. Walker by Sonya Clark, a portrait of Madam Walker made entirely out of hair combs. I really liked how the individual combs came together to create the portrait. I also enjoyed the creativity and symbolism behind using the combs, especially because Madam Walker rose to fame in African American hair care products.

After the museum, we had the chance to drive by the Elisabet Ney Museum on our way home. It was built in her former home and art studio in Hyde Park, standing out because of its limestone castle-like structure. We were especially interested due to our tour of the Capitol, where she has two prominent statues in the South Foyer. They are of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, two prominent figures in Texas History.

The museum was a perfect way to end an exciting and educational trip. LEAP students learned a lot and enjoyed their time there tremendously. From exciting panels sparking new ideas to culinary adventures like Skipjack Oyster, it was a trip to remember. We are excited to take our lessons and newfound ideas back to Huntsville, where we can use them in our everyday lives.

The Final Day of the Texas Tribune Festival

Although our time at the Texas Tribune Festival was coming to an end, LEAP students finished out the week strong! The last day featured a wide array of panels, including Texas Health on the Line, Free Markets, Free Ideas: Austin and Heterodox Thinking, and much more. From Congressmen to new culinary experiences for us all, the last day of The Texas Tribune Festival was one to remember.

Our Time with Our Representative

By Kayla Fleming

Our last day at the festival was off to a strong start as LEAP students got to meet Congressman Pete Sessions. Editor-in-Chief at The Waco Bridge, J.B. Smith asked questions ranging from Sessions’ childhood and involvement with Baylor University to water policy and future growth. Sessions was born, raised, and resides in Waco, Texas. He has been representing District 17 in Congress since 2021. He attributed a lot of the rise of Waco over the years to President George W. Bush moving near there. He mentioned the success of infrastructure and his plans for clean water in the future.

Sessions gave a glowing review of Baylor University, highlighting its rise in research. He mentioned how Baylor has been conducting research on the long-term effects on soldiers in different environments, particularly extreme environments. He explained how he is trying to make sure the military will receive any information that he can get to them revolving around it.

Clean water is a large priority for Sessions. He said that in the past, the need for clean water was urgent, but never like it is now. “Water isn’t just for drinking anymore,” he said, citing agriculture, data centers, and industrial demands that strain clean water access.

In the final quarter of the session, Representative Sessions answered audience questions. With each question, it was very clear how much he genuinely cared about his constituents. He said he loves to answer people’s questions and will usually stay as long as he can to do so.

At the end of the event, we had the opportunity to take a selfie with him! After the photo, he informed us that he was at the homecoming football game and took a video with us for President White. He made it a point to shake each of our hands, a gesture that left a lasting impression on us. He was funny, personable, and a well-rounded, likable person. It was my favorite session of the day, and a highlight for the rest of our group.

Optimism and Advocacy with Congressman Michael McCaul

By Ruthie Passmore

Following Representative Pete Sessions, the second session kicked off with U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, who offered a look back at his twenty-two years in Congress. Gabby Birenbaum, the Washington Correspondent for The Texas Tribune, led the conversation with questions about his career. For most of us, this was the highlight of our day. There was a wide variety of topics that were discussed: from his work in childhood cancer to his opinion on the future of Congress.

Advocacy took center stage early in the conversation as he discussed his impactful work with the Childhood Cancer Caucus, a group he co-founded in the U.S. House of Representatives, to raise pediatric cancer awareness. It works together to spread awareness for pediatric cancer. He began answering by stating that he and his wife worked together on the idea of providing a voice in D.C. for the children with cancer. He also mentioned that he hosts the annual Childhood Cancer Summit to spread awareness for advocates, survivors, and healthcare professionals.

When asked what gives him hope for the future of Congress, he highlighted his optimism as the primary reason. He grounded this perspective by noting how the Founding Fathers got America right in the beginning, by securing independence and drafting the Constitution. He believes that those same principles are still achievable today. Looking ahead, he emphasized that true legislation cannot be effective without bipartisan collaboration to pass meaningful legislation. He stressed the importance of working for the American people, rather than your ego or political party. I liked the fact that he mentioned that he was an optimist, and I believe that is a valuable trait that has assisted him in his time in Congress.

At the end, we were all able to meet and talk to Congressman McCaul. I had the opportunity to ask him what he considered to be the most rewarding moment of his two-decade career in Congress. His response caught me by surprise as he said that it was when Grimes County secured the agreement with SpaceX, which will bring about more job opportunities to his district. Before heading to our next event, we got to take a photo with him!

The lessons he learned from his twenty-two years in Congress were interesting and insightful. They will certainly help us prepare for our own future and the future of the country.

The Second Space Race

By Victoria Reich

After the morning sessions and a flavorful lunch, a couple of us decided to go to ‘The New Space Age’ featuring speakers Abraham Loeb, the director of The Galileo Project and a professor at Harvard University, and Eric Berger, a Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica with Matt Ewalt moderating the panel.

Abraham Loeb and Eric Berger began by giving an overview of the political state regarding space exploration and how nations are now in what they called “the second space race.” It is specifically for nations to not only get back to the moon but also create a sustainable and consistent presence. It was then followed by explaining how competition is a good motivator for making advancements to science. I found their view of this situation very intriguing and how it was significant enough to give it the title “the second space race”.

The panelists also spoke about how a lot of the current space initiatives are led by the private sector, such as SpaceX, and how government-run programs such as NASA have taken a backseat due to obstacles including funding cuts and budget issues.

Furthermore, Abraham Loeb advocated that space exploration should be a priority and proposed a $1 trillion budget, to expedite space exploration for the scientific discovery of what exists beyond our now very limited understanding.

This session, although not related to most main political issues at this time, still covered a very real and relevant topic to Texas politics. It gave LEAP students a chance to understand the relationship between government-run programs, the private sector, and much more. This information, along with the rest of the panels, will better prepare us for future internships, jobs, and help make us more well-rounded individuals.

Panels to Palates

By Isis Hollis

Though the Texas Tribune Festival came to an end, our food adventures were far from over.

Skipjack Oyster offered most of us many new experiences (especially Ryan, who tried five new foods)! We started out with appetizers including the Kennebec Chips & Salmon Dip, consisting of hot smoked salmon, chive and Boursin. It had a rich, creamy, and complex flavor, which paired well with the salt of the chips. We also had Guacapoke: a mix of ahi tuna, guacamole, sesame seeds, and wonton chips. Along with both dips, we also shared the Brisket Burnt Ends, which provided a perfect sweet and savory blend.

Before our entrées, we, of course, had to try oysters. For Ruthie, Ryan, and me, it was a new but slightly intimidating food. However, we were pleasantly surprised at the well-balanced notes between salty and succulent.

Our entrees came out shortly after! Three of us got the Lobster Avocado Salad, which I found to be sweet and fresh. I enjoyed the avocado sauce, and the roe gave it a bright touch! Roe was another one of the foods that was new to some of us. Ryan and Kayla split the Linguine and Clams, in which the creamy sauce was a perfect complement to the brine of the clams.

For dessert, per our server’s recommendation, we went with Key lime pie and Red Velvet Bread Pudding. The Red Velvet Bread Pudding was rich and warm, which paired well with the cream cheese ice cream on top. The table’s favorite was the Key lime pie with its sharp and tangy lime! The crust and meringue paired with the filling to create a dessert that was bright in both texture and flavor.

Skipjack was a great way to end the Texas Tribune Festival and develop more adventurous palates. Although our time in Austin is nearing an end, we can’t wait for what awaits us.

Painted in Time: Larry Cook

Written by Kayla Fleming

On Tuesday, September 22, LEAP students had the opportunity to hear renowned historian Dr. Larry Cook speak on the historical insights hidden within Francis B. Carpenter’s personal artifacts. Hosted at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and presented by Museum Director Derrick Birdsall, the event was deeply enriching, featuring historical artifacts that had never been seen by the public.

Following an introduction by Director Birdsall, Dr. Cook shared his background in Texas and his path to becoming a full-time historian, author, and political commentator. Drawing from his third book, Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words, Dr. Cook was witty, energetic, and engaging.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was learning about Carpenter—an artist most famous for what he called “The Great Painting,” depicting President Lincoln’s first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation—and how his journals are helping historians’ nationwide piece together the past with greater clarity. His writings offer key insights into major historical figures due to his time living in the White House under both President Pierce and President Lincoln. His time in the capital also allowed him to paint prominent senators and political figures, most notably Sam Houston.

As an SHSU student, I was particularly interested in his notes on Sam Houston. Carpenter recorded that Houston spoke with a noticeable drawl—a detail rarely mentioned in other historical records. Afterward, Director Birdsall revealed to LEAP students that Carpenter also noted how Houston ate nothing but bread and milk while staying in hotels, as the smell of hotel kitchens made him ill.

Dr. Cook masterfully wove historical details into an entertaining narrative. He was funny, sharp, and deeply insightful regarding who Carpenter was as a person. In closing, Dr. Cook remarked, “We all live in history, but Carpenter was different—he seemed to know it.”

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum hosted an exceptional event thanks to the staff’s dedication and Dr. Cook’s captivating presentation. His words inspired the audience to brush up on their history and take a closer look at Francis B. Carpenter, who not only “documented history with his paintbrush, but with his pen”—a discipline that remains strikingly relevant in how we record our world today.

Civil Rights, World Wars, and Progress: Week Four of the Citizenship Preparatory Course

It was the fourth week of the LEAP Center’s annual “Citizenship Preparatory Class,” and it was an enjoyable one. While we focused primarily on the 20th and 21st centuries, the week marks the end of the formal curriculum. It also means the participants and volunteers have had four weeks to get to know each other, collaborate, and become a community within a community.

This week moved through World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Participants also discussed the Cold War, President Dwight Eisenhower, the events of September 11, 2001, and Martin Luther King Jr.. Included in this broad discussion was the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, as well as peripheral discussions such as the photographer Dorothea Lange and artist Norman Rockwell.

History was not confined to the lesson materials. Participants examined $5, $10, and $20 bills, identifying the people pictured on the front and the buildings shown on the back. The exercise turned everyday objects into a way to review American leaders and landmarks. It also gave participants another way to remember details that can be easy to mix up when studying a long list of civics questions.

There was more interactivity in this week than in past week’s, with volunteers quizzing the participants, and sometimes the participants quizzing each other. As always, there was a lot of support when the participants answered correctly.

As a nice surprise, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and the College of Education were hosting a joint event, and they stopped by to collaborate and encourage.

Perhaps more important, the volunteers and participants have mixed together well, building a strong community within a community and a foundation of knowledge, a microcosm of the course’s purpose.

Many thanks to Cory Colby, Derrick Birdsall, Dr. Larry Cook, Dr. Tori Hallas, Dean. Abbie Strunc, Angie Dupree, National Partnership for New Americans, Naturalize Now, and Dr. Jaime Coyne for their efforts in educating the community on the importance of civics.

Surveying the Policy Landscape: Day 2 of the TTF

After a thrilling first day at the Texas Tribune Festival, LEAP students were excited for more. Day two promised interesting panels, a trip to the LBJ Presidential Library, the Texas Capitol and a chance to broaden our culinary horizons.

A look into the Texas Republican Agenda

By Ruthie Passmore

To start the day, several of us went to see “The Texas Republican Agenda.” The panel consisted of Texas State Representatives Daniel Alders of House District 6, Jeff Leach of House District 67, and Mitch Little of House District 65, with Renzo Downey serving as the moderator. As a group, the representatives emphasized core Republican values while maintaining respectful dialogue with audience members holding differing views, of which there were many.

One key focus was on property taxes, and the possibility of a “tax-swap” was raised, with sales taxes replacing property taxes. While the concept was received positively in principle, it would require major restructuring.

Another fascinating question was what other ways Republicans are looking into helping with health care (and general life) affordability. Representative Alders noted his service on the Texas House Select Committee on Health Care Affordability, emphasizing the committee’s focus on developing policy solutions that offer more relief options for Texans.

Representative Little responded by stating that the less the government spends, the more money there remains for citizens.

Representative Leach particularly impressed me by handling questions with poise. When asked about committee chairs within the 2027 legislation, he replied by acknowledging his constituents. He expressed that voters are not asking about committee chairs; they are asking about property taxes, education, and affordability for all Texans.

At the end of the discussion, the audience had the chance to ask questions, and many expressed displeasure at the Republican agenda. The panelists were polite, but they remained firm in their priorities for the next session.

We were able to take a picture with all three panelists and have a meaningful exchange with Representative Alders. He stated that it has become harder for people of opposite parties to have productive conversations because of how polarized we are. (As a side note, the students who attended had different views on politics, and we managed to discuss the issues of the day without rancor.)

Along with other students, I enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk with Representative Alders. For some of us, this was our favorite panel of the day, and incredibly informative.

Both Sides of the Aisle

By Victoria Reich

LEAP students had the pleasure of attending ‘Legislature on Both Sides’ with Representative Ann Johnson of Houston, Representative Eddie Morales of Eagle Pass, Representative Shelby Slawson of Stephenville, and Representative Cody Vasut of Angleton, with Cassi Schredder moderating.

The panel started by briefly explaining how the legislative session runs and introducing the speakers. The representatives discussed how the dynamics might change should Democrats see a significant increase in numbers following the November election. Cassi Schredder brought up public-school funding and reform, a hot topic on both sides, as well as property taxes. It was nice to hear both parties discuss their differing plans while remaining respectful of the other side. I was surprised to see just how much the opposing sides agreed on key baseline issues. It was clear each representative wanted to do what they thought was best for their constituents.

Representative Johnson pointed out that having to spend money each session to make property taxes more affordable is not a sustainable solution and stated that a fundamental change in Texas is necessary. Representative Slawson conversely mentioned changing the appraisal cap when property taxes were brought up, explaining that this could help fix the concerns related to property taxes, affordability, and local governments’ budgets. Representative Vasut advocated for tighter restrictions on tax breaks for data centers, including making them ineligible for sales-tax exemptions or abatements.

After hearing questions from Schredder, the panel answered audience questions. Balancing thorough answers and strict time restraints was a challenge, but one the Representatives handled with ease.

The panel especially emphasized the importance of working across party lines. Members of the other party are not the enemy; ultimately, everyone is there to serve the people of Texas. I appreciated the panelists’ point that collaboration is essential not only for getting things done, but also for developing the strongest possible solutions for the state.

Three Perspectives on the Future of Higher Education in Texas

By Mike Yawn

At the Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Tribune reporter Sneha Dey moderated a discussion about the changing landscape of higher education in Texas. The panel featured Harrison Keller, president of the University of North Texas; Mike Flores, chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District; and Sondra Barringer, a professor of higher education at Southern Methodist University. Their comments offered three perspectives on what colleges and universities should accomplish—and how they should demonstrate their value.

Keller emphasized the connection between higher education and economic opportunity. He argued that universities had a responsibility to ensure that students developed skills that translated into good jobs and a positive economic return on their education. At UNT, he said, programs had been evaluated based on student demand, employer demand, institutional costs, and “time to value.” He also stressed that universities needed to work more closely with community colleges and employers as workforce needs and technology changed.

Flores focused on access, student success, and economic mobility. He described community colleges as essential partners in developing the workforce Texas needed and highlighted investments in academic advising, tutoring, basic-needs assistance, and career and technical education. He viewed Texas’ outcomes-based funding model as an important way to support institutions in helping students succeed.

Barringer offered a broader institutional perspective. She agreed that workforce preparation and student outcomes mattered, but emphasized that universities also contributed through research, public service, and solving problems in their communities. She raised concerns about the unintended consequences of funding formulas and political mandates, particularly for academic programs, research, faculty recruitment, and academic freedom.

Taken together, the panelists portrayed higher education as an institution facing competing demands, with some of the most challenging demands being political in origin: demonstrating economic value while maintaining its broader responsibilities to students, communities, research, and society.

Old School: Lamar Alexander

One of the more refreshing sessions was with Lamar Alexander, former Governor and Senator of Tennessee, and also former Secretary of Education. Now 86, Alexander is still sharp, and he discussed his career working with ten Presidents (!).

He said nice things about many of those presidents from both sides of the aisle, and he noted that you don’t have to be moderate to work with people with different belief systems. He worked with President Obama, while not agreeing with many items on his policy agenda. But, he noted, there are always things that overlap, and members of both parties should be willing to work on those things.

During Q&A, Alexander also indicated he would not vote for Ken Paxton, observed that Obama might have been the smartest President he worked with, suggested that President George W. Bush was the most “normal” President he worked with, and expressed his greatest satisfaction as having a long career in politics and leaving with his “integrity and family intact.”

From Teacher to President: The LBJ Library

By Ryan Snow

Following our exciting day of compelling panels, we had the oppurtunity of learning about President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) at the LBJ Presidential Library. Our journey through the library started with LBJ: An Introduction: a 10-minute film about LBJ, including his life before his presidency, the start of it and how he shaped the world during it.

LBJ started in his early life as a teacher in Cotulla, Texas, a rural Hispanic town. This led LBJ to focus on feeding the poor and increasing access to education. Unfortunately, even after all the successes LBJ had in his presidency, such as his Great Society plan and civil rights improvements, he believed they would be overshadowed by the failures in Vietnam. Throughout the museum, LBJ was continuously expressing his guilt over the Vietnam War and conveying how he felt trapped.

The library had a multitude of interactive activities, including listening to a wax LBJ recite humorous stories…

…while also getting “The Johnson Treatment” from a life-sized poster of him.

LBJ, like many presidents before him, had secret recording devices in the White House phones allowing us to listen to conversations with senators, representatives, and other important figures. During his time in office there were over 640 hours of recorded conversations between him and others.

We also got to see unique artifacts of Texas history on display, such as the oldest known photograph at the Alamo and Sam Houston’s Inaugural Address as President on October 22, 1836.

The library also included an exhibit dedicated to JFK’s assassination and LBJ in office after such dramatic events. Although LBJ stepped up and enacted life-changing policies, he always expressed his sorrow for JFK. “I wish to God there was something that I could do, and I want to tell you that we were grieving with you.”

Lyndon B. Johnson was described as compassionate, relentless, persuasive, collaborative, and practical. Visiting his library has taught us how to never give up, and that no matter how much you do, there is still much to be done. LBJ served as an inspiration we can take with us into our personal and professional lives.

Texas Capitol Tour

Students recently had the opportunity to explore one of Texas’s most iconic landmarks during a tour of the Texas Capitol led by LEAP Center Professor Mike Yawn. The tour offered students a closer look at the building’s architecture, artwork, and fascinating stories from Texas history.

Professor Yawn highlighted the portraits of Texas governors, using them to share stories about some of the state’s most colorful political figures. Students learned about Pappy O’Daniel, Ma Richardson, John Connally, and, of course, Sam Houston.

The tour also featured several important works of art, including the dramatic painting depicting the Surrender of Santa Anna following the Battle of San Jacinto…

…and a portrait of legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett. Students viewed Elizabet Ney’s statues of Texas heroes Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, gaining a better appreciation for both the figures and the artist who portrayed them.

Even the Capitol’s smallest details provided opportunities for discovery. Professor Yawn pointed out hinges bearing the Texas seal and door knobs decorated with the famous Texas star.

Although the TX Senate was closed, we did have a chance to see the House of Representatives, which included a portrait of Sam Houston.

Students also learned about the Capitol’s massive expansion, which ultimately tripled the size of the original building, offering much more office space, albeit underground.

And with this exploration of the Capitol and its extension, we worked up a hunger, prompting us to turn toward Fresa’s to satisfy.

Dinner at Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon

By Brittlyn Jackson

After the Capitol tour, we headed to Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon to unwind and enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine. With three locations throughout Austin, we visited the South First Street location, where we enjoyed our meal in Fresa’s outdoor dining area.

We kicked off our dining experience with four appetizers: the Mexican Street Corn, Totally Loaded Queso, Classic Guacamole, and Guacamole Especial. Both guacamole dishes were delightfully fresh and creamy, served with chips that were a perfect combination of salt and crisp. The Loaded Queso had a light kick and was filled with black beans, guacamole, chorizo, pico de gallo, salsa bruja, and, of course queso. My personal favorite appetizer was the Mexican Street Corn, which was tangy and topped with plenty of fresh lime juice.

After sharing the appetizers, we moved on to our main course, which offered a diverse range of dishes. There was Ahi Tuna Tostada, a colorful dish featuring raw tuna, cucumber pico, cabbage, avocado, chipotle mayo, pickled shallot, and chile crisp. Many of us got the more popular option, the El Rey tacos. They featured slow-cooked beef brisket, cabbage, pickled jalapenos, chipotle mayo, cilantro, and fire-roasted red salsa, served on flour tortillas.

Fresca’s options did not stop there, featuring bols, wraps, and more. The Primo Bol was a wonderful, savory choice. It had agave-lime chicken, sweet potato, black lentils, lacinato kale, avocado, pickled apple, and a tart lemon vinaigrette. The apples added a fresh flavor to the dish, and the sweet potatoes created a nice contrast between the sweet and sour flavors, providing a perfect blend.

We ended our evening with a light debate on some of the panels we attended, and the issues discussed by the speakers throughout the day. The Texas Tribune Festival provoked insightful conversations and furthered our political understanding. LEAP students had a wonderful time and are ready for more!

Big Topics at the Texas Tribune Festival

Written By Isis Hollis, Ruthie Passmore, Brittlyn Jackson and Ryan Snow

This weekend, LEAP students had the opportunity to attend the Texas Tribune Festival 2026. Filled with exciting panels, a lunch at the Capitol, and a new cultural experience, we enjoyed a strong start to the Festival.

We got to see interesting sessions in the morning, including hearing from Representative Gina Hinajosa, author H.W. Brands, former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, journalist Tom Rosenstiel, and Austin City Councilmember Mike Siegel.

Capitol Grill Lunch and Workshop

The real highlights of the day began when we had lunch with two of Representative Wharton’s staff at the State Capitol: Legislative Director Madi Hawkins and Policy Analyst (and SHAIP Alum) Makenna McDaniel, who gave us an overview of how a legislative office works and tips for pursuing internships in the Capitol.

Makenna talked about the importance of being prepared for internships by using the interviews to learn more about the job and its duties, and then becoming better at those duties.

Both Madi and Makenna stressed that, as with any internship, it can open many doors for future careers and emphasize the importance of flexibility and reputation.

While we were discussing professionalism in the unique workplace of the legislature, we also enjoyed food from Capitol Grill. With burgers, lasagna, and burrito bowls, the menu was as diverse as our government!

Madi expressed that the chain of command in a legislative office is key to handling issues properly. Even simple tasks such as answering the phone may require anyone in the office to answer an impromptu question. They noted that it is never bad to ask questions as it can help prevent future mistakes and show initiative.

Overall, we had a productive talk that left us feeling informed and prepared for any potential job. Though we did not have a lot of time, we all learned an array of valuable skills.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

Following the lunch at the Capitol, we got the opportunity to hear from the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, in a one-on-one interview with Jim Geraghty, the Senior Political Correspondent of The National Review.

Throughout the session, I noticed that Governor Stitt was very composed and at ease as he answered all the questions.

He began by talking about how he has now been governor of Oklahoma for eight years, and he is ready to go back to his original profession (financial advisor/CEO), emphasizing his beliefs that politics was never meant to be a career. He advocated public service as a temporary duty, emphasizing that leaders should eventually return to private life and live under the policies they enacted.

Towards the middle of the session, he mentioned the National Governors Association (NGA), initiated by Teddy Roosevelt. Stitt explained that he was invited to the NGA meeting in 2026 but declined until all governors were invited. I liked that he was intentionally making an effort for all states to attend, even those in opposing political parties.

By the end, Stitt was facing audience questions about his time as governor, from the highlights to the controversies, and everything in between. His prison policies were uniquely interesting to me as a criminal justice major.

He stated that when he became governor, there was severe prison overcrowding, so when his term began, he closed four prisons. He knew the overcrowding came from the policies in place, and not the people of Oklahoma. Through closing these prisons, he has put money back into taxpayers’ pockets.

He also mentioned that inmates struggle to succeed outside of prison because they lack certain paperwork, making it difficult to obtain a job. Therefore, he introduced the Sarah Stitt Act, named after his wife; this bill was made to improve workforce readiness in prison. Six months before an inmate is released from prison, the Department of Corrections is required to assist individuals in acquiring identification cards.

For those of us who went to his panel, it was widely considered to be the most enjoyable. Governor Stitt was a commanding presence while remaining relaxed and personable—traits that LEAP students hope to emulate.

One-on-One With James Talarico

Following Governor Stitt, we attended an equally enjoyable session with U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico.

Matthew Watkins started the session by discussing recent polling numbers, showing Representative Talarico consistently ahead of Attorney General Ken Paxton. Watkins continued by asking questions that led Talarico to discuss his campaign, beliefs, and what it will take to create change in Texas.

A major point Representative Talarico pushed was building a movement that is bigger than a politician or political party. He spoke about many issues ranging from university funding to AI. Watkins brought up Ken Paxton’s ad calling Talarico a socialist, and Talarico explained he considers himself a capitalist, supporting free enterprise, free markets, competition, and economic growth. He elaborated on his ideas to bring back the kind of capitalism that existed in the 1950s and 1960s, when he believes the working class was stronger. He described his position by saying he is “fighting for OG capitalism,” a phrase that made the audience chuckle.

The last 15 minutes consisted of Representative Talarico answering questions from the audience. One great question was asked by Victoria Reich, a LEAP student, about raising the minimum wage and how it could affect small business owners.

He closed with a very optimistic message to voters, saying that he hopes the people of Texas will recognize that they deserve better and that, by coming together, they can take on what he believes is a corrupt system.

A Taste of Ethiopia

Following the hope-filled ending to Talarico’s session, LEAP students were excited to try new things and ready to broaden our horizons. There was no better place to do this than dinner at Taste of Ethiopia II, as it was all of the students’ first time trying Ethiopian food!

Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm and welcoming staff, including Miriam, who was our primary server. She helped walk us through the Ethiopian dining experience while keeping us entertained. We started off by enjoying appetizers, including beef, lentil, and spinach sambusas. The sambusas were crunchy stuffed pockets filled with different bases and spices. The lentil sambusa was the group’s favorite. There was also zimamojat (a spicy collard greens dip with cottage cheese) and minchet abish (a red chili sauce with lean meat), both served with slices of flatbread.

For our entrees, they were all served atop injera (a spongy and light crepe-like bread). Some of our favorites were Doro Wot and Alicha Siga Wot. Doro Wot is a traditional chicken thigh and drumstick dish, served on the bone in a hot red stew with berbere (a flavorful spice mixture). The chicken was rich in flavor and complemented the stew well. The Alicha Siga Wot is a beef tip dish that is a staple of Ethiopia. The dish was surprisingly sweet and had a green turmeric stew with jalapenos and onions.

Combining our delightful dinner experience with the thought-provoking panels at the Texas Tribune Festival made for a fantastic first day in Austin. Ready for whatever comes our way, we are excited for the days ahead!

Pre-Law Society’s First Ever Law Firm Fair!

Written by Allie Plunk

For students interested in pursuing a career in law, getting into the legal field can feel like a distant goal. This semester, however, Sam Houston State University’s Pre-Law Society brought that goal a little closer to home with its first-ever Law Firm Fair. The event gave students the chance to meet practicing legal professionals, learn more about different career paths, receive advice on building a competitive resume, and even put themselves forward for potential employment opportunities.

The evening began with our first-ever Law Firm Fair, featuring Rane Riley of Park Law Firm, Karla and Cameron Bush of Rosales & Bush Personal Injury Law Firm, and Victoria Cardenas from Sam Houston’s Student and Legal Mediation Services. Students received the opportunity to talk with practicing Lawyers about everything from what it’s like working in a private firm to tips and tricks to enhance resumes. While some firms’ representatives chose to talk to students one-on-one, others talked to the whole group at once, answering and asking questions beneficial to all the students before accepting resumes for review. There was a sense of excitement in the air as students passed from room to room, making sure to talk to every firm. For some, there was added pressure: a few lucky students might be able to secure a position at one of the firms if their resume fits the criteria they are looking for.

By the end of the evening, students had gained more than just a collection of business cards and resume advice. The Law Firm Fair provided an opportunity to make professional connections, ask questions that can be difficult to answer in a classroom, and get a closer look at what life in the legal profession can actually look like. For students preparing to enter the field, the event was an exciting first step toward turning their interest in law into real-world experience—and hopefully the first of many Law Firm Fairs to come.

Welcome (Back) to Huntsville, Rosales & Bush!

Written By Robin Houghton

On September 17, Cameron Bush and LEAP alum Karla Rosales-Bush celebrated the opening of Rosales & Bush Injury Law’s new Huntsville location with a ribbon-cutting hosted alongside the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce.

Rosales & Bush Injury Law originally opened in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the firm emphasizes direct attorney involvement and offers services in both English and Spanish. More recently, however, the duo have sought to expand, and they thought of Huntsville, TX, where Karla Rosales attended Sam Houston State University, interned, and served as a LEAP Ambassador. That dream was realized this past week, with a Chamber ribbon cutting.

More than 70 people showed up for the event, which was located, of course, at their new office: the old Gabe Smither home, at 1414 11th Street (next to the Wynne Home).

As an intern for Cameron and Karla, I had the opportunity to help prepare for the event and attend the celebration…

…along with other LEAP Ambassadors, past and present.

The reception began with drinks, cookies, and a beautiful charcuterie board from Southern Shine Catering.

Among the mingling, guests took the time to enter a raffle, with the opportunity to win a $400 prize, while also taking tours of the home and enjoying the Rosales & Bush swag.

It was a wonderful opportunity for people to interact. Janette Stanley from our Citizenship Preparatory Course showed up with flowers; Thomas Leeper attended; numerous students from the Pre-Law Society showed up, adding some youth to the proceedings; many members of Karla’s family drove in from south Texas; and, of course, the Chamber President (Jason Brandolini) and Membership Director (Jonathan Murphy) were on hand.

Sebastian, young though he is, took things in, ever attentive to the goings on.

Following the ceremony, the raffle winner was announced and received a $400 dashcam, a fitting giveaway for a personal injury firm.

It was a meaningful end to an evening filled with community and excitement for the firm’s future in Huntsville.

Many thanks to Karla and Cameron Bush for allowing us to be part of their exciting new adventure.

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