Jobs – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

COVID-19 at the Local Level

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about a pandemic, it’s that it hits every level of government. So the Bush School at TAMU hosted experts on local government in the latest episode of “Uncorked:” Dr. Ann Bowman and Dr. Robert Greer. As usual, the program was hosted by Justin Bullock and Dr. Gregory Gause.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, COVID-19, TAMU, Bush School Uncorked, Dr. Ann Bowman, Dr. Robert Greer, Justin Bullock, Dr. Gregory Gause The panel got into more politics than usual this time, but they still managed an informative session, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local and state governments.

As Dr. Greer noted, the pandemic has hit local and state governments in two ways: (1) rapidly rising costs, and (2) decreased revenues. For states such as Texas–which, with no property or income tax, relies heavily on sales tax–the decline in revenue is especially severe.

Right now, researchers have projected that state governments will face a shortfall of 500 billion dollars. Although many states have a rainy-day fund, even fully suing this fund would leave a shortfall of 360 billion dollars, and this shortfall is before many of the costs of COVID are factored in. So, clearly the states are in a fiscal jam.

When states and municipalities face challenges, the US economy faces challenges. When there is a budget shortfall, states and localities layoff workers and, as Dr. Greer noted, about 13 percent of the US workforce is made up of state and local workers.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, COVID-19, TAMU, Bush School Uncorked, Dr. Ann Bowman, Dr. Robert Greer, Justin Bullock, Dr. Gregory Gause

So, what can the federal government do? All agreed that a unified, consistent message would be helpful. They also seemed to agree that the CARES act, which provided assistance to local and state governments, as well as large and small businesses, was a step in the right direction.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, COVID-19, TAMU, Bush School Uncorked, Dr. Ann Bowman, Dr. Robert Greer, Justin Bullock, Dr. Gregory Gause

Additional funds will be needed, and where that money goes and how it will be allocated were concerns. Greer mentioned money to the unemployed–of whom there are now record numbers–is a good way to pump the economy. With little or no income, these workers will spend the money they receive, which multiplies through the economy.

The panel also responded to audience questions, at least one of which asked about the food supply. This was a particularly timely question, inasmuch as Tyson has had to shut down several plants owing to large numbers of employees falling prey to the COVID virus. At this point, the meat supply to the nation has dropped precipitously: production of pork, beef, and chicken, has fallen 30 percent, 15 percent, and 10 percent, respectively. While this shortfall has yet to hit the stores (because of existing stockpiles), it will hit soon. Indeed, today, President Trump indicated he would invoke the Defense Protection Act and order those plants to remain operational.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, COVID-19, TAMU, Bush School Uncorked, Dr. Ann Bowman, Dr. Robert Greer, Justin Bullock, Dr. Gregory Gause
While Trump’s decision was, obviously, a federal action, cities, counties, and states play a role, too. Most of our food inspection, for example, is done at the local level and, of course, the labor pool comes from cities and counties across the country. In the case of these meat plants, the labor pool comes often from small cities and counties, where the meat plant may be a primary employer.

This is a new angle to the COVID-19 pandemic, one not much covered by the national media but, arguably, more important than the topics that are often covered. In short: it was another educational program hosted by the Bush School at TAMU.

Kat Talks: Peter Roussel

by Quinn Kobrin

In the second rendition of the SHSU Stories of Success series (also known as Kat Talks), students and faulty were presented with the wisdom and humor of Warner Endowed Professor Peter Roussel. Introduced by SHSU’s Dr. Wally Barnes, Professor Roussel began his talk, entitled “Here Comes the Future,” with a brief review of his background, including his work for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. From his position working for – and eventually as – the press secretary, he learned a great deal, and he shared with us some of his favorite stories.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Peter Roussel, Kat Talk

He told us about President Bush’s tendency to tell the same joke everywhere he went, and how he would ask the President to stop telling it, because he’d heard it so many times. But President Bush said that even if Roussel had heard the joke, there were still others who hadn’t. And even though the joke annoyed him, Professor Roussel found the President was right; people always enjoyed the joke, and he shared this as evidence of his main piece of advice: Have conviction.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Peter Roussel, Kat Talk

Conviction, Professor Roussel told us, is a quality essential to success. You must believe in yourself if you want others to believe in you and support you.

Speaking from the experience of searching for his first job, Professor Roussel demonstrated how conviction can lead to success. When he finally got a job interview with a marketing firm, Professor Roussel’s father advised him to “interview the interviewer” to communicate his passion and desire to work there. Professor Roussel would go on to ask two questions, listen for nearly half an hour, then walk out the door, forgetting he was the one being interviewed. Because he appeared to be confident in himself, his interviewer called him back immediately and offered him the job.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Peter Roussel, Kat Talk

He then shared some stories about his first encounter with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Such stories included being invited into her house upon first meeting her for eggs and coffee, advising her on the best way to deal with the press when the announcement of her nomination was made, and having to hear the announcement on the radio in the car instead of live because he was late for the official announcement.

He then ended his talk by answering a few questions. The last question asked was, “What advice do you have for students who are graduating?” He answered this by telling us that most good advice cannot be spoken, but rather comes from watching successful people in action.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Peter Roussel, Kat Talk

I enjoyed getting to hear Professor Roussel speak, and meeting him for the first time. I am sure his wisdom will stick with us, and I thank him and the SHSU Academic Success Center for the opportunity to hear his inspirational stories of success.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Peter Roussel, Kat Talk

Tackling the Texas Tribune Festival: LEAP’s Day 2 in Austin

On the second day of the Texas Tribune Festival, the LEAP team attending came together, divided, and attended a multitude and variety of sessions (together and in smaller groups), while critiquing the panels, the speakers, and the venues, over the course of the day, and over a series of coffee breaks and meals at some distinctly Austin establishments…

Student Breakfast with Jennifer Palmieri (Annie Jamarik)

The Student Breakfast at CapMetro Project Connect Community Office, hosted by the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, had special guest speaker Jennifer Palmieri, former White House Director of Communications (2011 to 2015, under President Barack Obama), as well as Director of Communications for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. As we ate breakfast tacos (like true Austin natives), Ms. Palmieri shared her unique perspective from working on a presidential campaign and applied her knowledge and experience to thoughts on the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Jennifer Palmieri

She was sure to stress that, while still early in the race, Senator Warren was the current candidate to watch due to her steady climb in the polls.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest

During Q&A, when asked for her advice to students entering the world of politics, Ms. Palmieri passed on wisdom she received from the Secret Service: “Listen to criticism, process it, move forward, and draw fire.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Jennifer Palmieri

Ed and the Feds (Miranda Estrada)

This discussion centered on how our federal and state agencies can work collaboratively on building education policy more effectively; the panel was comprised of moderator Sarah Darville (editor of Chalkbeat), Susana Martinez (former governor of New Mexico), and Jack Markell (former governor of Delaware).

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Susana Martinez, Jack Markell, Sarah Darville

Both Martinez and Markell placed education as a high priority during their tenure in office; however, they used different approaches to improving the quality of education in their respective states. Martinez believes in the importance of engaging parents by using transparency in giving grades to the school their children attended, and emphasized a ranking system of schools and their teachers is during her administration. She stressed the important roles teachers play as gatekeepers of information, and that they should be assessed on that. Markell used a different approach, instead opting for measuring academic growth of a student versus their proficiency. Both agreed, though, that regardless of the method, there are always unintended consequences and no one plan is perfect. Overall, we learned more about how leaders can work to improve their educational systems in ways that best fit the needs of their citizens — and children.

Governor Martinez proved particularly gracious afterward, posing with photos and discussing education policy additionally.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Susana Martinez

Break! On our walk between session venues, we popped in to The Coffeehouse at Caroline. Try the chocolate & cherry or cheese scones – depending on whether you want a sweet or savory bite – or the chocolate zucchini bread; or, well, anything. It was all good, from the smoothie, to the coffee & tea, to the wide selection of baked goods!

Civic Enragement (Esmeralda Mata)

We all agreed that the Civic Enragement (“How progressive politics are turning citizens into warriors and cities into battlegrounds.”) panel was the most controversial of all! The panel was substantially synergized in voicing their opinions on issues ranging from local to state and federal, discussing not only specific policy, but also the challenge in cultivating a good relationship between city and state leaders, given the difference between conservative and liberal governance styles and implementations.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Judge Susan Eckhardt, Alicia Glen, Jerry Morales, Alan Webber, Matt Yglasias

Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt’s opening comments, on the importance of being able to disagree agreeably, and in recognizing that an opponent can be your best ally at a local level by coming together in finding issues and solutions that can be exported to a federal level, did not parlay into how she will be remembered.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Judge Susan Eckhardt, Alicia Glen, Jerry Morales, Alan Webber, Matt Yglasias

She argued that state legislators do not provide county government with enough aid, as compared to a city governments, and focused on some particular ordinances. After noting that state legislators hate Austin (“because we are so successfull”), she focused on Austin’s tree ordinance, noting that that, “Governor Abbott hates trees because one fell on him,” a quote that left our group wondering all day why an elected official would agree to be on a panel designed to bring people together, only to say something so callous.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Judge Susan Eckhardt

As a counterpoint, Midland Mayor Jerry Morales discussed sustainable growth, detailing jobs and other opportunities Midland has created with cohesive support from not only the state but also the federal government. And while most of the panelists (and the audience) agreed that the responsibility of enforcing immigration laws is the responsibility of the federal government and not a city, Mayor Morales opposed this discussion, too, stating that every city should protect their citizens. In general, the difference between rural and urban viewpoints of Texas was definitely highlighted among the diverse panelists at this session.

Break! We ambled over to the TribFest “Hub,” the place for registration, light snacks and water bottle refills, and book signings. Stations were set up with a number of books offered by the various speakers at TribFest. We all picked out books, some of the group getting multiples, a decision we all lauded later when we were able to proceed directly to the signing line instead of first having to go through the buying line!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Susan Rice

From Within (Annie Jamarik)

Next up was a panel of experts who discussed how our country fights (or should fight) domestic terrorism. The panel included Robert Chesney, Director of the Strauss Center for International Security and Law and Associate Dean at the UT School of Law; Lisa Monaco, former White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor; Mary McCord, former acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice; and Nick Rasmussen, Former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. David Priess, former CIA officer, author of “The President’s Book of Secrets” and the Chief Operating Officer of the Lawfare Institute, was a model moderator.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest

One of the items that really stood out was the specific qualifications a violent attack must have to be classified as a domestic terrorist attack.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest

Chesney explained one of the gaps in federal statutes regarding domestic terrorism, in that requirements are so specific that the weapon used in an attack determines if an attacker could be charged at the federal level – or not. (Explosives = yes; guns = no.) During Q&A, one question referred to monitoring and regulating online public forums (social media platforms) for hate speech and rhetoric. The panel all agreed that, because these online forums are owned by private companies, the government cannot regulate material, so it is up to the private companies to regulate themselves. We would have loved to hear more on this, but the clock had run out.

Break! We had to make a game time change to our lunch plans. The line for our first choice stretched throughout the restaurant and out the door, so we dropped back and punted to an Austin-based chain, P. Terry’s. After some quick burgers and lemonade, and a brief respite from the sweltering heat, we maneuvered our way through the crowded city blocks.

Points of Light (Sawyer Massie)

In spite of the relatively short walks between venues, we still took a moment to linger and appreciate the air conditioning before proceeding into the main auditorium. Despite taking our seats only moments before the panel began, only the first three rows were occupied. It soon occurred to us that the Pete Buttigieg session at the Paramount more than likely took a toll on attendance for this and other panels held at the same time. Unfortunately for Mayor Pete fans – but fortunately for us – they missed out on a wholesome and enriching discussion on the legacies of George and Barbara Bush.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, George P. Bush, Susan Page, Michael Beschloss

The discussion – aptly entitled “Points of Light” – was moderated by Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty and featured Land Commissioner (and Bush “grandson”) George P. Bush, presidential author Michael Beschloss, and Susan Page, USA Today’s Washington Bureau Chief and Barbara Bush biographer.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, George P. Bush, Susan Page, Michael Beschloss

Much like previous panels, this one followed the Q&A format with audience questions toward the end. Likewise, current events and other inevitable topics in this heated political climate were discussed; however, this panel took an unusual turn in that it became emotional.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, George P. Bush, Susan Page, Michael Beschloss

The panelists opened up by explaining how America had to reassess its values following the deaths of former First Lady Barbara Bush, and President Bush, Sr., then delved into the inner machinations of their relationships to one another – and specifically, their last moments seeing one another. Page recalled that after Barbara Bush was placed into hospice care – and knew these were her last moments – she reached out to her husband’s hand at the bedside and told him “I’m not worried about you, George.” This was her granting permission to him that he could live his life and she’d die knowing he’d be okay. By the end, some of us were misty-eyed; it was touching to hear this from someone who got to spend so much time interviewing them.

After the panel, we were also fortunate enough to snap a quick photo with George P. Bush with a few minutes to spare before queuing up for our last panel of the day.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, George P. Bush

One-on-One with Susan Rice (Miranda Estrada)

We did not score seats at the front of the packed venue for former UN Ambassador and National Security Advisor, Susan Rice. Our moderator for the evening, Margaret Talev, worked with Mrs. Rice during her time with the Obama administration. Their “conversation” started with the topic of the day, the impeachment inquiry on President Donald Trump. Mrs. Rice stressed the importance of policy action being used only for the best interest of the United States as a whole and not for a single person.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest, Susan Rice

Mrs. Rice also spoke with the audience about her new book, “Tough Love,” reading an excerpt that covered a horrible yet funny-now experience. Her book is broken into the major parts of her life: early childhood, early years in government, time as UN Ambassador, and then as National Security Advisor. Mrs. Rice felt the need to write the book as a reintroduction of herself to the public – to address her feelings and thoughts regarding her treatment in the years following Benghazi that she was made out to be a monster. In her career she was used to speaking for the United States; this book allowed her to speak for herself and be her own advocate, champion, and spokesperson.

Break! With the panels over, and a short refresh break under our belts, we did some sightseeing. The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, dedicated to the former Texas Governor, is home to North America’s largest bat (specifically, the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat) population. We lined up like good little tourists and watched for a while the colony head out for their dinner. Then we headed to ours!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Austin Texas, Texas Tribune Festival, Tribfest

Dinner at Kerbey Lane Café (Sawyer Massie)

After a long day, there was no question that we were famished and looking forward to dinner at an Austin staple: Kerbey Lane Café. We slumped in our seats and indolently chatted from our slouched positions. Suffice it to say, we had expended all our energy on TribFest. Everyone perked up, however, when platters of food arrived. Plates of bacon and eggs, “green” mac-n-cheese, French toast and, in a nod to the calendar’s claim of the Fall season, pumpkin pancakes. We leisurely ate and recapped trip highlights (so far!) while enjoying relaxing in a comforting atmosphere, ending this day in preparation for an even longer day ahead of us.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Tribfest, Kerbey Lane Cafe

On the Road with Beto O’Rourke

It was six months ago that Monica Dike went to Austin to interview for a job. She may have been a little starstruck by the capitol building.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Sam Houston Austin Intern Program, SHAIP, Monica Dike, Rep. Senfronia Thompson

She was the first–of what would eventually be 11 SHSU interns–to get a job. She was hired by Rep. Senfronia Thompson to work for the 86th legislative session. We had them go through a series of orientations to help them get their legs under them.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Sam Houston Austin Intern Program, SHAIP, Monica Dike, Rep. Senfronia Thompson

And she soon started getting comfortable in the Capitol.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Sam Houston Austin Intern Program, SHAIP, Monica Dike, Rep. Senfronia Thompson

And after a few months, she began branching out, and on one of those excursions, she had a chance to meet Beto O’Rourke, as can be noted on this video clip.

Another of the many reasons the Austin Internship Program is a rewarding opportunity for students!

SHSU, LEAP Center, Sam Houston Austin Intern Program, SHAIP, Monica Dike, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, President Dana Hoyt

An Afternoon With Julie Kavanagh

By Makayla Mason

A few times a semester the LEAP Center brings in guest speakers to educate students on opportunities and to share their stories. Having heard Julie Kavanagh speak at a World Affairs Council event, we were honored to have her come to SHSU and speak to a select group of students.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

Mrs. Kavanagh is the Diplomat in Residence for Texas for the U.S. Department of State. She has been working for the Foreign Service for more than 29 years and has had the opportunity to travel all around the world having been stationed in countries such as Brazil, Singapore, Columbia, China, and Russia.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

She began by telling us exactly what she does for the Foreign Service, which currently entails recruiting promising individuals. She then walked us through the process one must go through when applying for a position, with the first step being to take the Foreign Service Officer Test.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

She then emphasized how important learning a language is in order to work in another country. She is fluent in Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and rudimentary Russian, all of which she learned after she was hired in preparation for living in those countries.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

Mrs. Kavanagh then shared stories about her time and work experiences while working in these different places around the world. She expressed how she truly felt the Foreign Service makes a difference in the world.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

Students asked how she was able to balance her personal life with her work life as she moved from country to country. She explained that she was in a unique situation where her husband was also in the Foreign Service, and they had to make sacrifices and decisions in order to stay in the same countries for the majority of their careers.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

As the Q&A began to wrap up, students were able to ask Mrs. Kavanagh questions one-on-one in order to obtain more insight into the life of a successful diplomat.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat In Residence Texas, DIRT

We enjoyed hosting Mrs. Kavanagh, and we look forward to seeing her in the future.

Austin, Texas: A Capitol Experience

In 2013, President Dana Hoyt initiated the Sam Houston Austin Internship Program (SHAIP). Since that time, SHSU students have interned in the Texas Legislature for three consecutive legislation sessions, and several students are determined to ensure that the Bearkat streak is extended to four sessions. To that end, four of the students attending the Texas Tribune Festival squeezed in interviews on Thursday. The interviews were of the extended variety, with the legislative offices fitting in office work such as writing, bill analysis, phone skills, learning office equipment, and basic knowledge assessment. In one case, the interview was 2.5 hours!

While final placements are still weeks away, this opportunity gave the students an early taste of what professional interviews entail. The extended nature of the interviews also allowed the students—and the offices—to assess the potential of personality fits between office and intern. It’s a different process than many universities use, but SHAIP offers both the intern and office staff the opportunity to ensure that their time and energy are invested in the best possible fit.

For several of the students involved in the interviews, the nervousness of interviewing was layered with the intrigue of their very first visit to the state capitol.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

Visiting the capitol is always an interesting experience; it’s a special treat, though, when your very first time to approach the Capitol is to interview for a job there. Thus for Monica Dike, Jezel Luna, and Maggie Denena, the day’s experience was especially memorable.

But, of course, even repeat visitors—such as Victoria McClendon-Leggett, Ilexus Williams, and Brianna Sabrsula—have fun touring the state’s capitol building….

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

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We entered through the exceptionally tall wooden doors of the Texas capitol and submitted to the usual metal detectors and bag searches that accompany trips to important government buildings. After everyone was given the okay to enter, we walked across the foyer to a statue of our university’s namesake, Sam Houston. It and a statue of Stephen F. Austin both stand and greet visitors and capitol employees every day just inside the south entrance to the capitol building.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

The two statues were unveiled in the capitol in 1903, and were completed by famous Texas sculptor and Austin resident Elizabet Ney.

Also in the entrance to the capitol there is hung a rather large painting depicting the capture of Santa Anna after the battle of San Jacinto. Our excellent tour guide—Professor Yawn, forced in to duty—pointed out that in the painting General Sam Houston’s right leg is bandaged, while in reality it was his left leg that was injured in the skirmish. We lingered in the south foyer for just a few more moments before we moved on to the piece de resistance, the rotunda.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas
The rotunda is both beautiful and intimidating, with its intricate gilded trim rising 266 feet above the floor. On each floor immediately surrounding the dome, along the walls are hung portraits of former governors, in chronological order starting with the oldest at the top and winding their way down towards the most recent.

We were able to peek into both the House and Senate chambers, which we had all to ourselves because the next legislative session does not start until January 8, 2019. W

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

e also visited the rooms which once housed the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

Before we left, we also had the opportunity to explore the library, which contains thousands of books, law journals, and House Bills passed during the former legislative sessions. We also had a nice surprise: we ran into a friend of SHSU and the LEAP Center, Chief Justice Tom Gray. Justice Gray was in the building on business, but he stopped to talk to us…

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

…to say “hi” to familiar faces (Victoria) and to greet new ones (everyone else!). The LEAP Ambassadors have long worked with him on bringing the 10th Court of Appeals to SHSU each spring, and it was a nice treat to see him again.

The Texas State Capitol is such a beautiful building with a rich history that matches that of our state, and it was crazy to think that some among us would soon be working there!

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas

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Kerbey Lane Café, Monica Dike

After leaving the capitol, those of us that weren’t still interviewing had lunch at the Kerbey Lane Café. A couple of us had never heard of the place, but it’s a favorite among the LEAPsters that have gone there before. When we walked in, the host greeted us with a bright smile and a clever shirt stating: “Don’t go bacon my heart,” which we chuckled at. Once seated, I noticed that the menu contained a variety of options for lunch and even an all-day breakfast. As an appetizer we all shared the chips and queso and tried the roasted brussels sprouts. I wasn’t sure how well I would like the brussels sprouts, but once they came out and I tried them, I found them absolutely delicious!

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Texas Tribune Festival, Texas Capital, ATX, Austin Texas, Kerbey Lane Cafe

I ordered a cheeseburger, which I thought would be a pretty simple meal, but when it arrived, it was twice as big as I expected! It was delicious, although I couldn’t possibly eat it all. Victoria and Stephanie had chili and cornbread, Brianna had breakfast tacos, and Elena–our least adventurous eater–had chicken. All enjoyed their meal, and we left content we can return anytime for delicious fare.

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Texas Tribune Festival and Secretary John Kerry.

Trying to find parking in a large city Austin is very much like trying to find a needle in a haystack! After a bit of roaming around in an attempt to find a parking garage within walking distance, we made our way over a block or two to The Moody Theater to hear The Texas Tribune’s opening keynote speaker, former Secretary of State John Kerry. We walked down the sidewalk and around to the entrance of ACL Live where we spotted Austin’s favorite musician Willie Nelson—albeit in statue form.

We quickly found our seats as the The Texas Tribune’s editor-in-chief and also our moderator for the evening, Evan Smith, began introducing Kerry.