In our four years at Sam Houston State University, we have had many opportunities to attend conferences. And, perhaps unusually, we have also had the opportunity to present at conferences, and one of those opportunities arose late this semester–two weeks prior to our graduation!
Our presentation, alongside Dean Lyons and Associate Dean Boisvert, was to highlight the many ways that SHSU, the College of Criminal Justice, and the LEAP Center help bridge the gap between academia and the “real-world.”
While the Deans ably handled high-level things such as state mandates, trends in higher education, and challenges faced across the educational industry, we offered an overview of some of the ways that this curricular “bridge” has helped us participate in and transition to the workplace.
This included discussions of things we experience in the classroom, such as police simulations; internship opportunities we have had in and outside of our fields of study; travel opportunities we have enjoyed; and the community service in which we have engaged. This approach was taken to demonstrate that, in a world where a career lattice (rather than career ladder) is likely, it’s important to have broad and well-rounded skills rather than narrow and inflexible skills.
It was a pleasure to have this opportunity–and especially together–as we approach our graduation. As fellow Criminal Justice majors with an assortment of minors, and as former SHAIP interns, and as students very active in the LEAP program, it was a pleasure to share some of our experiences with Dean Lyons and Associate Dean Danielle Boisvert…
…in front of many of the leading professionals in the correctional-legal field.
Starting off an insightful day with George H.W. Bush’s post-presidency chief of Staff, Jean Becker, we met at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences building here on campus for a book talk and signing!
Though some of us had attended a previous event on her book tour, everyone was enthralled by Becker’s charismatic and engaging discussion of her newest book, Don’t Tell the President, co-authored by Tom Collamore. We listened eagerly as she discussed accounts of several of the stories of advance workers– the people who make sure that events go as planned– across presidencies from Lyndon B. Johnson to Barack Obama.
After several humorous anecdotes about the less-than-elegant side to life while working for the White House (like getting peed on at a phone booth while talking to her boss)…
…Becker closed on a more somber note. She reminded us that Americans have to pull together to make progress, and she highlighted the way that–despite their differences–Presidents Bush and Clinton worked together to raise funds for hurricane relief and that President Obama stopped in to Houston, days before President Bush’s death, to thank him for his service to the country.
This serves as a reminder of what our future both as a people and as a country, should look like: putting aside differences and helping each other where we can.
Following the book talk, Becker generously agreed to sign copies of her new book! Students lined up eagerly, discussing the fascinating stories she had shared. We were all very excited and grateful to have had her with us at Sam Houston once again.
One of the advantages of attending SHSU is the opportunities afforded by the College of Criminal Justice, whose activities continue deep into the semester and even the summer. And so it was we found ourselves at lunch with 74 professionals from the legal and corrections community across the state of Texas–while listening to Texas Supreme Court Justice James Sullivan.
After an introduction by TDCJ General Counsel Stephanie Greger…
…Justice Sullivan highlighted five keys to leading teams of public servants.
Hire people smarter than you;
Grow a coaching tree;
Lead from the front;
Show people you care;
Build resilience.
He offered examples from his career, which he often shared tinged with traces of humor and a lot of common sense. He described his career as a government attorney and noted that while he didn’t earn as much as his private-practice counterparts (his wife, he says, “funds my government attorney hobby”), he was part of a team that produced successful leaders. This involves, he noted, disruption: good attorneys come in and work for the state; after a couple of years, they get better offers; and they move on to higher-paying jobs with greater influence. This creates turnover, but it is a product of a good strategy: hiring good people. And while those people leave eventually, they become coaches in their own spheres of influence, producing leaders that go on to serve.
Sullivan’s audience was on hand at SHSU to attend the Texas Criminal Justice Legal Conference, where leading practitioners were present to collaborate, think, and act to make Texas a better place. There were numerous attorneys present, including our friend Jack Choate and his excellent staff, and some new people we met, such as Rachelle White, Chief of Staff for TDCJ; Sean Groves, Deputy Executive Director of Texas Juvenile Justice; Eric Nichols, attorney at Butler Snow and Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice; and Wyvonne Long, Director of TDCJ Independent Office of Inmate Counsel. In short, there were a lot of people present from whom we could learn.
And learn we did! Between the conversations at the table and in the room, and the presentation by Justice Sullivan, we were exposed not only to tips for managing public servants, but also to the many careers in the law that also allow for public service.
Thursday, April 9th, was an exciting day for LEAP students. We traveled to the Asia Society Texas Center to hear Ambassador Rahul Chhabra speak on India’s place in global leadership, hosted by the World Affairs Council. The event provided new learning opportunities and deeper insight into the world’s largest democracy, India.
Following a warm welcome from Matthew Fuller, the director of Business and Politics at the Asia Society Texas and CEO of the World Affairs Council, Maryanne Maldonado introduced Ambassador Chhabra, setting the stage for a lively and informative discussion moderated by Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley.
Ambassador Chhabra was the perfect blend of entertaining and educational. He discussed India’s rise on the global stage and its relations with other countries. He also highlighted the “economic miracle” of India’s GDP growth, especially in comparison to China, as well as the U.S.
Ambassador Chhabra began by reflecting on India’s early years, following their independence from Britain at the end of the Second World War. He mentioned India’s first choice of ally was the United States, but they refused to be overly tied into diplomatic entanglements as a developing country.
This independent spirit was exemplified by the concept of “nonalignment” and India’s continuous choice to forge its own pathway rather than strictly aligning with the West, China, or Russia. He attributed this concept to “India’s economic miracle.” Ambassador Chhabra mentioned India’s choice to expand into the IT sector instead of manufacturing, which was the proven path to development that China underwent.
Another key topic Ambassador Chhabra explored was the significance of the “123 agreement,” which reversed the previous sanctions on nuclear trade with India. Under George W. Bush, India and U.S. relations increased significantly as India was the only country with which the United States had an arrangement like this. He attributed a large portion of this success to the Indian-American population and their unwavering support.
Nearing the end of the event, O’Malley opened the floor to questions, and Ambassador Chhabra answered multiple questions from the audience regarding India’s global strategy and international partnership.
Listening to his vast experiences and India’s point of view over the last several decades was particularly interesting, and left the audience pondering the effects of American policies on the rest of the world, for better or worse. After the event finished, Ambassador Chhabra was kind enough to take a photo with LEAP students, providing a memorable end to an insightful day.
It is only fitting to have a book talk in a book shop, and Huntsville is fortunate to have one of the best downtown bookstores in the state: Mortar & Pestle. Filled with books, wine, coffee, and art…
…this “Third Place” was soon filled with people and a charismatic and humorous speaker and, before long, a room full of laughs.
We learned about the travails of Bob Dole, who made an impromptu visit to highlight economic development, only to find himself keeping company with characters dressed as Woody Woodpecker, Frankenstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Mae West–not the look you want when you’ve just fired three campaign officials. Headlines the next day read, “Bob Dole Shakes up Campaign Staff.”
Senator Bob Dole during the Florida Primary at the construction site of Universal City. Photo by Dennis Brack
Of course, it wasn’t all laughs. There were also discussions of events such as attempted presidential assassinations, disaster relief, and 9-11. Irrespective of the anecdote, Becker related tales in the book with passion, intelligence, and a bit of mischief.
The Look of Mischief
The result was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in a wonderfully enjoyable venue.
Following the event, attendees bought books, had them signed, and stayed around to enjoy each other’s company.
LEAP Students, Kara Froelich, Carl Pittman (owners of Mortar and Pestle), and Jean Becker then indulged in a meal at Sam’s Table, where we were able to ask deeper questions after the much fulfilling day. Becker revealed more about the process behind wrangling people together to write essays for her book, discussed the busy schedule of a book tour, and extolled the virtues of a downtown bookstore such as Mortar & Pestle.
Through the many roles he served in over his career, Alberto Gonzales gained valuable knowledge in helpful principles, career advice, and getting past setbacks. Once again, LEAP students had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Gonzales himself, along with David Yebra (formerly Colonel Yebra), the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Lone Star College.
After a fitting introduction from Michelle Cardenas, Mr. Gonzales showed us a short video featuring photos of his career highlights, a career that includes the first minority partner at Vinson & Elkins, Texas Supreme Court Justice, White House Counsel to President George W. Bush from 2001-2004 and Attorney General from 2005-2007. With this career, he was well qualified for his post-government role as Dean of the Belmont College of Law.
The floor quickly opened for questions, with many of us eager to absorb as much wisdom as we could from Mr. Gonzales.
He discussed his humble beginnings as a first-generation college student, which he afforded by joining the military. Moreover, he emphasized the values instilled by his parents: (1) being reliable–“showing up and doing your job, reliably” and (2) accepting challenges to continue growth.
When asked about how he dealt with any setbacks during his career, Mr. Gonzales told us that perseverance calls for struggle. Even when facing hardships, as he did while serving as the first Hispanic American Attorney General, you must trust that if you put in the work, things will work out in the end. As important, he reminded us to dream big. While not all of our dreams will work out, they definitely won’t work out if they aren’t pursued.
Both Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Yebra highlighted the importance of building relationships during their talk. Judge Gonzales emphasized the importance that George W. Bush played in his career, and Colonel Yebra stressed the importance of building relationships built on professionalism, trust and reliability.
Colonel Yebra reminded us to surround ourselves with people that we can learn from while understanding that our role serving others allows for greater professional growth–and, simultaneously, more responsibility. The aspect of serving others is a distinct value LEAP holds in everything we do so it resonated with all the students present.
Once our time with Mr. Gonzales was up, we snapped a quick photo to add to the many taken with him over the years, from when he so kindly came to visit us at SHSU. All of us present took away profound insights we can use in our own lives. We look forward to seeing Mr. Gonzales and Colonel Yebra again in the future!
For our second meeting of the semester, Pre-Law Society had the pleasure of hearing from Sam Houston State University’s Police Department. Rather than the traditional typical guest speaker, lecture-style, format, we engaged in some fun activities that are both relevant to the legal field, but also college students, especially when it comes to alcohol, substances, and decision-making. Olivia Discon briefly introduced Sergeant Butterworth (“Butters”) and Lieutenant Zella, and Professor Mike Yawn.
Instead of jumping straight into laws and definitions, they started with something more familiar to everyone in the room: “extracurricular” college life. The kind that doesn’t go on a resume.
What made this meeting stand out was how interactive it was. Rather than talking at us, they walked us through real scenarios, ones that felt uncomfortably realistic. Two students acted out a situation at a house party: one over 21, one underage, a drink left unattended. At first, it seemed harmless. But as Butters and Zella broke it down, the legal implications became clear, showing how quickly a casual decision can turn into a charge. That theme carried throughout the night: small choices, real consequences.
One of the most impactful moments came during a scenario involving someone who had clearly had too much to drink. The question wasn’t just “what’s illegal?” it was “what do you do in case of an emergency?” Students talked through what it means to take care of someone in that situation, from recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning to physically placing someone in the correct position for safety. Our very own Brittlyn Jackson was eager to take the role of the incapacitated person, which she took on with uncanny verisimilitude!
Various people in the audience made suggestions about how to help Brittlyn, but the most helpful and obvious of choices–calling 911–was not immediately volunteered. But this is crucial, and for those worried about getting in trouble, there is a “Good Samaritan Law” to protect individuals (under specific conditions) who call in such an emergency.
The next scenario played out involved a traffic stop with the potential for DWI and DUI. Gabriel Kranz-Danet played our “drunk driver,” and we learned about the best ways to pull over safely and swiftly. Unfortunately for Gabriel, his almost immediate confession brought this scenario to a quick conclusion!
We then shifted to what would occur after a traffic stop to determine whether someone is under the influence: Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST).
To best simulate the experience, various students put on goggles that distort vision, and for some, balance and coordination. As the students made their best attempts to “pass” the test, several good questions about their careers, hypotheticals, and explanations about the process occurred. It was quite fun to watch the students struggle to catch an eraser, walk in a straight line, or stand on one foot. Of course, we discourage any student from drinking and driving, but we would like to note that, based on their performances with drunk goggles, this would be particularly disastrous for Eva Killande rand La’Kia Tilley.
Another way we learned that police officers can determine impairment was the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. It is the physiological phenomenon that occurs when someone is under the influence of alcohol, causing involuntary jerking of the eye as it follows the movement of objects. We simulated this sensation by spinning Victoria Reich, PLS member and employee of Student Legal and Mediation Services in an office chair. Though it was brief compared to true alcoholic impairment, we were able to see Victoria’s eyes shift quickly which was quite interesting!
Our group thoroughly enjoyed this event. Many thanks to Jayden Shoellhorn, Sergeant Butterworth, and Lieutenant Zella for joining us and for their service to the SHSU and broader Huntsville community.
The meeting then transitioned into more general business. Nataly Elizondo provided the finance update, Olivia Discon shared social media and membership updates, and Madison Cawthon presented meeting minutes. Olivia then introduced upcoming events, including the Mock LSAT (deadline to register is April 1), 10th Court of Appeals, and a Spring Social on April 22.
Overall, this meeting stood out because it didn’t just tell us what the law is but also how it plays out in real life. This meeting was a reminder to all of us that setting ourselves up for success isn’t just about future careers in law, but about the decisions we make right now.
The Bush Foundation: Jean Becker and Tom Collamore &
In a special event hosted by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, authors Jean Becker and Tom Collamore took the stage to discuss their new book, “Don’t Tell the President.” And as with all Bush Foundation events, the setting and the audience proved to be as interesting as the main attraction.
That was certainly the case this time, as we ran into Secretary Andrew Card…
…and photographer Mark Burns before even entering the auditorium! Both were generous with their time, discussing their favorite stories concerning President Bush.
Of course, they were also there to see Jean Becker, and while we may not be members of the Jean Becker Fan Club….
….we make the opportunity to see her speak.
Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance
…introduced the event, and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise when she introduced us!
The most enjoyable part of the evening, of course, was hearing from Jean Becker and Tom Collamore–and contributing authors Robbie Aiken, Jay Allison, and Greg Jenkins–discuss a blend of behind-the-scenes chaos and the concomitant responsibility that comes from preparing the nation’s most important figure for public engagements.
The engagements discussed ranged from the picayune to the momentous, from an imposter surreptitiously boarding the press plane for a presidential trip to getting just the right setting to support Solidarity in Poland with Lech Walesa and the destruction of the Berlin Wall in Germany.
This was the perfect pairing with our visit to the Bush Presidential Library earlier in the day, providing insights into some of the history we had observed while also reminding us of the importance of event planning, even in our own small events.
Adding to the fun of the evening was seeing Ms. Becker be recognized as an honorary member of the TAMU Singing Cadets, who sang “America the Beautiful” as an honor to the United States as part of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Tour: The Foundation Offices
Following the event, we approach Ms. Yates to thank her, and she graciously spent more time with us, even as she had additional work to do. During the conversation, she offered to give us a tour of their offices, tell us more about the Foundation, and let us see the “Bush Apartment.”
We had already had a wonderful day: seeing the Bush Presidential Library, hearing from Kathryn Meyers at the Bush School of Public Service, and attending the Becker and Collamore event. So, the opportunity for something on top of all that was certainly unexpected, and while we didn’t want to delay Ms. Yates from her work any further, this was an opportunity we couldn’t decline.
Ms. Yates provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, while also givinga wonderful tour of the Foundation’s space. It was a beautiful space, one that has been preserved since the President’s passing, and one that is still used for myriad purposes. It was an honor to be given the tour, and it was the perfect way to end our time at the Bush Presidential Library.
Dinner
While the tour was an ideal cap to our day at the Bush Library, we all believed that dinner would be the perfect way to end our; accordingly, we headed to Shiraz Shish Kabob. On LEAP field trips, we do our best to eat at restaurants themed with our learning opportunities, and after spending a day at the Bush Library–where the Middle East was much on display–we enjoyed diverse fare from one of our favorite College Station places.
For many, it was the first time to try Baklava or Shawarma or even Hummus, and it was met with great approval.
With full stomachs, on a high of a fantastic nine-hour learning sprint, and a renewed spirit of public service, we returned to SHSU.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 