Over a five-day period, Nancy Bocskor spoke to more than 100 SHSU students, discussing politics, promoting civic engagement, and teaching skills valuable in any democratic society.
Escorted by Bella Abril…
…Bocskor spoke to Dr. Mitzi Mahoney’s class and to Dr. Heather Evans’ class, encouraging all students to get involved, while also teaching them specific skills to make their involvement more rewarding and effective.
The culmination of her time at SHSU, however, was her workshop with 14 specially selected young women who had the opportunity to meet her in a small-group session. “She’s an incredible mentor,” noted Bianca Saldierna, a Criminal Justice major at SHSU. “She is a passion-driven person who makes changing lives her job.”
During the workshop, Bocskor started the session by engaging the students with her contagious enthusiasm and by sharing impactful narratives that led her to a successful life in public service. Bocskor has worked in 25 countries–typically invited by the US Embassy–promoting women’s engagement in the political process. In these developing countries, Bocskor has seen firsthand the lack of women in public office, the hardships they face, and the policy problems that result.
In the US, things may be more difficult for women than men, but there are a world of opportunities. 513,000–this is the number she wants us to know. It’s the number of elected officials in the US. In her inspirational way, she encourages us to be among those half a million elected officials. How do young college students do that? We leave our comfort zones, take risks, and embark on a new journey, one that will change our lives–and if we are fortunate, the lives of those we represent.
She provided useful advice for students aspiring to take leadership positions in the future, and special emphasis was given to the importance of finding a meaningful job, one that brings joy. Inspired by Ms. Bocskor’s success story and remarkable experiences, students left ready to conquer their fears, expand their horizons, and ultimately become tomorrow’s leaders.
Bocskor was sufficiently kind to travel to Austin–after some touristy stops…
…and visit with the Austin Interns. As a Board Member of “Running Start,” a national program that selects seven women from across the nation to intern with female members of Congress, Bocskor knows something about interns. It was a nice dinner…
…followed by a nice lunch, where we were joined by two Bocskor’s former interns–and one of Yawn’s former students. It was nice to catch up amidst an inspiring session with a “Democracy Coach.”
The Austin internship program helps to develop hard working individuals by allowing them to take on real-life work experience. As the Legislative Session starts to gear up, the Sam Houston Austin Interns have begun to take on more responsibilities in their offices. From picking up constituent phone calls, to attending committees on bills that will affect all Texans’ lives, the intern agenda is booked all day, and sometimes all evenings, too.
As for my internship, I work for Representative Jim Murphy of District 133. The district encompasses the West Houston suburbs. Representative Murphy’s background as a businessman provides him with a good background for his career in “the ledge”–as many legislative veterans refer to the capitol. His tenure has provided additional expertise in the legislature, and this session marks the fifth for Representative Murphy.
Working in his office has been fulfilling. In our office, our camaraderie as “TEAM MURPHY” unites us in working together to accomplish every task and keeping a high morale to succeed in every task. No job is too big or too little for any of us. With our mantra of” Work harder!” passed down through sessions from other staff members, our mission is to do as much as we can to serve the constituents of District 133. Some of the other students in my office include Dominique Hawkins from A&M University, Troy Allen from The University of Houston (Hobby Fellow), and Ashwanti Pattel from The University of Texas.
As for my office responsibilities, I am in charge of Representative Murphy’s scheduling, making sure he is where he needs to be when he needs to be there. Additionally, I work with constituents and lobbyists both in person and on the phone. This ensures that our district is represented correctly as everyone’s voice is heard. And even though scheduling takes up a lot of my day, I still find the time to work on legislation.
But with hard work comes rewarding fun. The Texas Capitol is filled with exciting day to day activities. From real-life rattle snake exhibitions…
…to Legislator-football games, there is always something to be a part of. After our week in Austin, LEAP Ambassadors and fellow Austin Interns Brian Aldaco and Kaitlyn Tyra, joined me in exploring some of Austin’s hipster treasures.
That Friday afternoon, we changed from suits to our causal garb and decided to start our adventure by visiting Treaty Oak Square. As weird as it may be to commemorate an oak tree in the middle of the city, this particular tree has had its roots grounded in Austin soil since before Columbus’ discovery of North America. In other words, the oak tree in Treaty Oak Square is over 500 years old! Needless to say, the oak tree has witnessed countless events in Texas history. Among them was the birth of the city of Austin. Stephen F. Austin signed a boundary treaty under the branches of the tree. The treaty was between his settlers, the Tehama, and the Comanche, allowing for a peaceful settlement for future Texans to come. Now the tree is fenced in and protected by the City of Austin. As the branches hang at over 127 feet of length, it was hard to take a good photo. But you don’t come across someone that old too often so we decided that it was worth the try to take a selfie.
From Treaty Oak, we continued on our trek and after a 2 mile walk we finally reached Zilker park. Zilker park is a prime urban park for jogging, biking, and music festivals. Additionally, it is a great place to see the skyline of Austin.
Under the city lights and an exceptionally bright moon, we decided it was a perfect place to play some frisbee. After getting a good workout, we decided it was time for some food.
As any one knows, you are not an Austin resident if you don’t food-truck-dine at least once a week.
From Zilker park there are multiple food truck parks. So it was only a matter of hungry seconds before we found one. Dawa Sushi, a sushi truck owned by a very nice couple off of Barton Springs Rd, was just what we needed. With delicious sushi, (the greatest in Austin if you ask me), we agreed we would definitely revisit. After gulping down our last tempura roll, we hiked up Congress and back to the Capitol Garage. Our 6 mile tour had ended successfully as we had visited some of the places that make Austin, well Austin. But more is left to see of this town, and yet more do I anticipate to enjoy from the rest of my Legislative adventure as an Austin Intern.
Being a small, exclusive organization, the LEAP Ambassadors begin recruiting promising candidates years in advance…
By Alissa Wion, age 9
On Thursday February 16, 2017, I traveled to the State Capital of Texas in Austin. I was selected to serve as an Honorary Page in the House of Representatives by Representative Ernest Bailes.
When I first arrived I was taken on a tour of the Capital by Sarah Flautt, a real Page. As an honorary page it was my duty to be a helper to her. During this tour, Sarah took me to see the State Treasury, where I saw a very old printing press. I assisted her by bringing name plates to the offices of the Sergeants of the House. I was able to go in a special underground tunnel and a private elevator, that only Pages have access to. I met my sponsor, Representative Ernest Bailes, who brought me to the front of the House Chamber where I was able to tap the gavel and even got to sit at his desk.
Alissa Wion at Representative Ernest Bailes’ Desk
As part of the Honorary Page program, I received a key chain as a souvenir, as well as a kid’s guide to the Texas House of Representative booklet. I also got to keep my name tag that I received when I arrived (even though my name was misspelled).
While I was busy doing real work, my travel escorts (Richard and Dorothy Yawn) spent much of the morning doing photo ops and otherwise engaged in frivolities.
Richard Yawn, Karla Rosales, Christina Perez, and Dorothy Yawn
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience as an Honorary Page, especially meeting Representative Bailes and learning how important a Page’s work is to the House of Representatives.
With ten SHSU students in Austin and two more in DC, Bearkats are gaining experiential learning in political hotspots. These internships, which last for the entire legislative session, teach students scheduling, bill analysis, research, public relations, and even bill drafting.
The internships also give the students a chance to have every so often, and learn about things through a more hands-on and fun approach.
Karla Rosales, for example, took a capitol dome tour, which culminates with the trip up the stairs below.
But the trip is worth it, with a wonderful view of Austin!
Meanwhile, Alex Galvan spent time in helicopters…
…and even on tanks…
Beatriz Martinez also got a taste of the helicopter, producing a big grin…
After attending the inauguration of our new President, we awoke with anticipation to learn more about a few of our past presidents on this last leg of our Inaugural Trip. We departed toward visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. Upon arrival, we were surprised by the intensity of Washington’s plantation at a massive 500 acres. Not only was the property large but also beautiful as it overlooked the Potomac River.
Included in this grand estate is Washington’s mansion, Colonial-era slave quarters, gardens that are still worked by the museum’s staff, the gravesite of George and Martha Washington and extended family, a slave memorial, nature trails, a pioneer farm, multiple gift shops, a museum, and more. Visitors could easily spend a whole day or more exploring the property, and as a popular tourist destination, more than 80 million people have visited Mount Vernon to learn about one of our nation’s Founding Fathers.
Our tour started with a short movie introduction of the grounds and spaces available to explore. The staff are sticklers for tour times, in a sense, so we explored the Upper Garden, the slave quarters, a variety of workshops occupied by Washington’s slaves, and his grave…
…before entering the line for the tour of the mansion. The docent pointed out how Washington completed multiple revisions and expansions to his home throughout his life. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the home as photography may interfere with the home’s preservation.
Excited either way about visiting Washington’s beloved home, we entered into the “newest” addition of the mansion. This was a large room that would have been used for dancing, hosting dinners, and impressing guests. An extraordinary detail of the room was its uniquely green color. At the time, green paint was a sign of wealth because it required the crushing of precious gems to obtain that deep of a color. We moved into the oldest part of the home next where we saw four rooms including a more informal dining room, a study, and two guest rooms. We also learned about Washington’s parties and saw several of the nine guest rooms available for visitors.
Our favorite part of Washington’s home was the private wing, including George and Martha’s bedroom, where George Washington passed away from a throat infection. Their room was less extravagant than expected—no lavish furniture was present—but it helped to illustrate Washington’s personal taste. The room was large enough for a sitting area along with the bed.
After touring the mansion, we walked down to pay reverence to our nation’s first president by visiting the Washington’s gravesite. Enclosed in a concrete monument, George and Martha Washington are buried only a short walk from where they lived for many years. Close by is also a slave memorial in honor of Washington’s slaves. Although Washington owned slaves, he included his slaves in his will and left them the majority of his fortune. This was an unusual practice for slave owners in Washington’s time.
James Monroe’s Highland
Finishing up our tour at Mount Vernon, we stopped for a quick picture before departing to our last stop of the Inaugural Trip.
The end of the trip was near, but we decided to add in one last stop on our presidential tour by visiting the home of our fifth president. James Monroe’s Highland—also formerly known as Ashlawn-Highland—is located outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. James Monroe was a Revolutionary soldier who eventually became president in 1816 after negotiating the deal that provided for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Interestingly enough, some recent archeological research including ring-dating several interior parts of the home, archeologists have found pieces of chimney, stone wall foundation, and much more, that proved that the house where President Monroe had once lived burned down in the 1800s. They have outlined the location of the original home in rock on the grounds, just in front of the current Ashlawn building.
So, our tour began at the door of a small white house.
The ceiling was extremely low and required the taller LEAP Ambassadors to duck. Although it would have been a guest house at the time, it is now set up with various pieces of Monroe family furniture. We entered a room set up as a study, filled with Monroe’s original furniture, including an impressive desk. Another interesting piece in the study was a French clock that was over two hundred years old, but still ticking away the correct time. The study was green, a seemingly common color among those with the means to afford it, much as we had seen at our last stop, Mount Vernon.
As we made our way through the home we could see many original family pieces such as the dining room table, a crib, and several beds. In one room, there was a small mannequin sporting a simple but elegant pink dress. Our tour guide explained to us that Elizabeth Monroe was a small woman, only measuring about 4’11’’.
We exited through the family museum, displaying original china, jewelry, and photographs that belong to the Monroe family. Perhaps the greatest highlight in this room was a very humble bust of Napoleon Bonaparte. Apparently, Monroe had attended a party in honor of the Emperor where upon busts of Napoleon were given as party favors, to all guests.
Visiting the home of the last Revolutionary-era president made for an appropriate conclusion to our Inaugural Trip. After visiting the site where our Declaration of Independence was drafted, our first government was debated over, and our nation’s constitution was signed; after visiting the home of our nation’s first president; and after attending the inauguration of our newest president, we felt a sense of civic pride. With this accomplishment forever in our memories, we boarded our airplane en route to Houston, reminiscing of our week’s adventure all the way.
The LEAP Ambassadors are a bi-partisan organization. The students who attended this inauguration signed up prior to knowing who would win the election, and the trip-goers included Trump supporters, Clinton supporters, and third-party supporters. They attended not in support of any specific candidate, but to see part of US History unfold.
At the Mall
Over the years the LEAP Center has offered LEAP Ambassadors opportunities to contribute to their community through volunteering on campaigns. Regardless of the political party, the contested position, or the level of government, when “your” candidate wins, that feeling of joy is incomparable. During our 45th President’s Inaugural Address, Washington, D.C. was alive with Americans from all walks of life who were largely motivated by their ardent support of Donald Trump. While such sentiments didn’t necessarily extend to all of the Ambassadors, we were happy to be part of this historic event.
Even though our adventures began around 4:00a.m., the excitement kept us awake. We had heard the horror stories of previous Inaugurations, like Metro trains packed like sardines, so when we rode the Metro into the city we were surprised that we had seats. Once in D.C., we found our gate was already packed and so began the wait with the crowd. As soon as the gates opened, the crowd began to move and took us with them into our ticketed area.
LEAP Ambassadors Await Security Clearance at the 58th Presidential Inauguration
As it was dark when we arrived, we were thankful the luminous Capitol provided sufficient light to find a good standing spot. Of course, it was cold, about 38 degrees, and it was also raining intermittently. We also noted that the students who didn’t vote for Trump thought it was colder and rainier than the students who did vote for Trump.
Fortunately, it was not too long before the sun rose, and with it a breathtaking sunrise over the Capitol that made our sleep deprivation worth it.
And, in reality, we were all happy to be part of this experience.
Around 10:30a.m. the music began, and the emcee began to introduce the platform dignitaries: Supreme Court Justices, current U.S. legislators, our nation’s past presidents. When former president Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were introduced, a hush fell over the crowd momentarily before a polite applause began. Moments later, however, when a close-up of the couple came on the jumbotron, booing began.
The Clintons Arrive
After the Clintons came George W. Bush and Laura Bush, but the excitement truly began when First Ladies Michelle Obama and soon-to-be Melania Trump were announced. President Obama and Vice-President Biden were also given polite applause.
President Obama and VP Joe Biden arrive at the 58th Inauguration
The crowd got even louder when Vice President Mike Pence took his oath of office, given by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
But when our 45th president, Donald John Trump, was ready to be sworn in a roar of cheer resonated from every corner of the Mall.
With applause, chants, and one or two disrupting shouts from protestors, we watched as our new President delivered his inaugural speech. “This, the United States of America, is your country,” were among his opening comments, and nearly every syllable carried cheers as the crowd roared with excitement.
Focusing on topics such as education, funding, the American dream, and a government ruled by the people, his words were felt so warmly in the hearts of supporters that fatigue, cold, and rain were overlooked.
President Trump Gives the Thumbs-Up Sign
The speech, although short, provided comfort for President Trump’s followers as they were assured that the next four years are going to be of prosperity and unity.
Others, however, were less than assured. One protester screamed as though she were being tortured when Trump’s speech began. Another blew an alarm whistle, perhaps trying to start a panic.
What we didn’t know, was that outside the inauguration’s perimeter, even more dangerous actions were unfolding. Many protesters were peaceful, but some threw bricks and concrete; others began fires.
The LEAP ambassadors were fortunate to avoid these dangers, and remain safe within the inaugural gates.
The end of the President Trump’s speech also brought about President Obama’s exit from the presidency. As other presidents have done, Obama flew away in Executive One, the presidential helicopter.
The entire experience was unforgettable. Part of the LEAP concept is experiential learning, and the experiences we had today will stay with us forever.
A Reunion Dinner
With so many hours of standing around after a very early start to the morning, the Ambassadors welcomed a power nap before dinner. Once we recharged, we made our way to Raaga for some Indian food, and a mini-reunion of sorts.
Through the course of LEAP’s history, also previously known as the Junior Fellows, the program has had high-achieving students, many of whom had attended President Obama’s 2009 or 2013 inauguration with the LEAP Center. Some of these alumni have gone off to work in federal agencies, for state or D.C. legislators, and other rewarding jobs in the U.S. capital. During our dinner, we met with some of these alumni and friends:
Ademide Adedokun graduated in 2008 and now has a civilian position at the Coast Guard, where she focuses on building relationships with foreign dignitaries.
Justin Veillon is now a Senior Manager with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Christian Bionat is now a district staffer for Congressman Pete Olson.
Joycelyn Ovalle graduated from the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service eight months ago and is now working in D.C., conducting research and analysis on tax policy.
Jazmin Perez is now interning for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
We were also joined by Nancy Bocskor, an advocate of womens’ involvement in politics in foreign countries, who has also been a LEAP-sponsored guest speaker at events at Sam Houston State University.
Along with a savory dinner of lamb and chicken korma, rogan josh, various curry dishes, naan breads, and other spicy Indian treats, we had a very engaging conversation about career paths with these former SHSU students and LEAP alumni on how they got to where they are now. For us, this interaction was fulfilling because it showed us how taking opportunities and becoming dedicated at what you work on can truly lead to some rewarding professions. After such a momentous day, and a most enjoyable dinner, we said goodbye to our fellow Bearkats and new friends, ready to get some much needed rest.
As the time to greet our new president arrived, the LEAP Ambassadors likewise neared their “D.C. destination.” But before braving overwhelming Inauguration crowds at the Capitol, the Ambassadors enjoyed quiet visits to two other states, specifically the statehouse where our nation first declared independence and the statehouse where George Washington did not reign, but did once resign.
Delaware’s State Houses
The first item on the agenda today was a visit to the Delaware State Capitol, known locally as Legislative Hall, and the old statehouse where the state legislature used to meet. We began with a tour of the statehouse provided by a most enthusiastic tour guide, Mr. Thomas Welch. Interestingly, the retired docent has been giving tours since the building was re-opened to the public in 2007. He explained in great detail the history of how Delaware broke away from Pennsylvania, use of the old capital by both state and county governments, and the history of many of the delegates who served in the earliest years of Delaware’s statehood. The building itself was initially used both as a county courthouse (on the first floor)…
Original Dover Courthouse/Courtroom
and the House and Senate chambers of the state legislature (on the upper level). In the first few years of their statehood, Delaware had only nine state Senators…
Old Delaware State Senate
…and twenty-one Representatives…
Old Delaware House of Representatives
…one of whom, Allen McLane, Mr. Welch has gone on to learn about extensively, including lecturing statewide and writing McLane’s biography.
The newer capitol building in use is much larger, though not the most opulent of the state capitols LEAPsters have visited.
Delaware State Legislature
The building has undergone renovations since its original construction, with many of the windows in both House and Senate chambers once on exterior walls now blocked by new interior walls. To make the space more aesthetically pleasing, the Legislature hired Jack Lewis, a famous Delaware artist, to paint murals in the frames of the removed windows. The murals depict the history of and many famous people from Delaware, such as local hero Caesar Rodney.
After roaming the small building after our tour, and running into a committee hearing on marijuana legislation…
The DE State Legislature Held a Hearing on Cannabis
…and playing “Speaker of the House…”
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…we made it back to our mini-van to meander through Maryland.
Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs
Our day continued with a detour to Annapolis, Maryland. We were on the hunt for Baltimore’s crab cakes, but the siren song of still another capitol was hard to overcome. We crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and headed instead for Annapolis, MD, where we weaved through cobblestone streets on the search for some authentic East Coast seafood. After consulting with an Annapolis local, we decided on Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs. According to our new Maryland friend it was a classic, which meant it had to be good! We indulged in a variety of dishes including the Seafood Gumbo and the Rockfish Annapolis (rockfish covered with a creamy crab sauce served over a bed of rice). We enjoyed eating “local,” the hot lunch welcome on another chilly day.
Maryland’s State House
A short walk to the Capitol building allowed us to embark on a short, self-guided tour of the Georgian-style building.
LEAP Ambassadors on the Steps of the Maryland Capitol Building, in Annapolis
After visiting the Delaware capitol in Dover that morning, the Maryland capitol in Annapolis was grand in comparison. Immediately upon entering, the House and Senate chambers greeted guests on opposite sides. Black and white tile lined the halls and led visitors to each room throughout the first floor. We learned that the Maryland General Assembly has 47 Senators…
….and 141 Delegates in the House of Delegates.
Further back in the Capitol is the Old State House and the Old State Senate which explained the rich and interesting history associated with Maryland. In the Senate chambers, George Washington gave his resignation speech on December 23, 1783. He felt that his job leading the country was complete and that it was time to return home to his wife Martha. Today a bronze life-sized statue of Washington stands in the place he spoke some 234 years ago.
George Washington offered his resignation from public life in 1783 in the Maryland Capitol Building
The self-guided tour also included the original paper copy of George Washington’s resignation speech. Our time in Annapolis was short and enjoyable, but we were eager for our main destination, the Capitol of the United States of America.
Washington D.C.
As we hurried past Maryland’s forested hills, our surroundings changed from a rural landscape to the hustle and bustle of the DC streets, with much accompanying honking. Even though the streets of our nation’s capital are always busy, on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, even the narrow alleys seemed as if they would burst with cars and pedestrians. In this ocean of tourists from all over the nation and world, the LEAP Ambassadors wrestled their way towards the Washington Monument.
At the foot of this near pearl-colored obelisk, the immensity of the monument forced us to strain our necks in order to gaze at its glory from bottom to peak. While admiring this great American treasure, Kaitlyn wondered whether we could reach the top. Disappointed by the Monument’s temporary closure for maintenance, this crafty Ambassador chose to reach the peak from the ground with the tip of her fingers.
Kaitlyn Tyra Touches the top of Washington Monument
After a few pictures, we noticed–and then joined–crowds of excited Trump supporters…
…on their procession towards the Lincoln Memorial.
As we neared the memorial the multitude of red “Make America Great Again” hat wearers grew to the point that we could move no closer to the concert stage set up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
There we stood listening to excited “USA!” and “Trump!” shouts echoing from every corner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
At one point it was announced that President-Elect Donald Trump was present on stage and the crowd roared with animation.
Such a spirit was so contagious for some of the LEAP Ambassadors that they could not resist another temptation–souvenir vendors. Several bought Trump merchandise to forever remember the 2017 Inauguration eve. A couple in the group actually voted for Trump; others just wanted a souvenir (without Trump’s image) to document their presence at a historic event.
Kaitlyn Tyra with her Trump Foam Finger
With a bag full of red hats and Trump pins, we left DC to catch only a few of hours of sleep, but not before some extremely rural looking individuals walking through the National Mall. Of course, the media converged on them, and soon began an interview:
Spanning several stops through Delaware and Maryland, and still feeling the fatigue of Philly, we would need as much rest as we could get before embarking on our presidential adventure at the crack of dawn (or as some would argue, before then).
The LEAP Ambassadors are a bi-partisan group. The students signed up for this trip before knowing who would win, and Trump, Clinton, and third-party supporters attended this trip to be part of this historic event. It is the fourth presidential inauguration the LEAP Ambassadors have attended.
The Sam Houston Austin Internship Program began in 2013, an initiative of President Dana Hoyt. Since that time, SHSU has built a strong reputation in the legislature for placing quality students. This year is no different, with ten students placed in Austin (plus two more in Washington, DC). The placements are below:
Brian Aldaco: Rep. Will Metcalf
Spencer Copeland: Rep. Larry Phillips
Alejandra Galvan: Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Beatriz Martinez: Rep. Armando Martinez
Vincent Melore: Rep. Tom Oliverson
Christina Perez: Rep. Jim Murphy
Kimberly Roach: Texas Association of Counties
Karla Rosales: Rep. John Zerwas
Mitchell Sanchez: Rep. Todd Hunter
Kaitlyn Tyra: Senator Charles Schwertner
In addition, five of the eight interns from last session have been hired by the legislature and are now working the session, as well.
Sadie McLaughlin (District Director): Rep. Ernest Bailes
Alexis Gonzales (Legislative Director): Rep. Vo
Ariel Leaf (District Representative): Senator Charles Schwertner
Oscar Aguilar (Legislative Associate): Rep. Mary Ann Perez
Shelby O’Brien (Legislative Director): Rep. Todd Hunter
We were fortunate this past Saturday to have the current interns and many of the program’s alumni on hand for a lunch at the Balkans Cafe and Grill. It was a great opportunity to see friends, develop mentorships, and have great food!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 