As the intern for the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development Department, I have had the privilege to learn about what makes Huntsville, Huntsville. From what I’ve come to understand, Huntsville’s unique quality comes from the community’s eagerness to support each other. This was further reinforced by The City of Huntsville’s Community Hiring Event, hosted by the city’s Economic Development Department. This event, which was a first for the department, allowed local businesses to showcase their businesses, and hopefully, fulfill some of their vacant positions!
There was a vast array of businesses that participated in this event. From local businesses such as Advantage Specialties and Carolina Creek, to local manufacturers such as Zenner USA and Rock MFG, there was a broad range of opportunities for people to inquire about.
There were even businesses that focus on workforce and staffing, such as Express Employment Professionals and Workforce Solutions, the latter of which provided resources for participants actively seeking employment.
Throughout the evening, businesses had the opportunity to conduct onsite interviews, and participants had the opportunity to show off their resume. With over 150 people in attendance, this event was a resounding success! Events such as these are incredibly valuable to both businesses and potential employees alike, as it helps to reinforce the community support that makes Huntsville so special.
The College of Criminal Justice hosts numerous events promoting education, employment, and professional networks for their students. One of those is their regular “Real Talk with CJ” event, in which SHSU Alumni come in to discuss their careers, to provide advice, and to strengthen the relationship between alumni, faculty, staff, and students. On November 2, the “Real Talk” involved Forrest Price returning to campus to discuss his career as a game warden.
Approximately 40 students showed up for the event, and they gave Mr. Price their attention.
For his part, Price provided an informative overview of being a game warden, shining light on the requirements associated with the position, the pay scale, and the work conditions, officers’ broad discretion, and their control over their day-to-day duties.
Mr. Price observed that the best aspect of his job was being able to determine what his day-to-day duties are. Some days he may spend working with Park Rangers; other days he may work alone on a lake; and other days he might be trudging through a heavily forested area. On any given day, he might work with drug offenses; poaching; fishing without a license; boating while intoxicated; or, in one case, a person who captured, relocated, and released an alligator.
Students asked numerous insightful questions, showing impressive engagement with the topic and the speaker, and Mr. Price demonstrated great generosity with his time. Many thanks to the College of Criminal Justice for putting on this great program.
You may know the Wynne Home for its beautiful architecture; or, you may know it for its regular art exhibits; others know it because of the great programs it offers, such as Empty Bowls or its annual Easter Egg Hunt. But the Wynne Home also offers a speaker series, and last week, Dr. Michael Strutt, the Director of Cultural Resources for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, discussed how our State Park system–just like the Wynne Home–is multi-dimensional.
Before the event began, I had the opportunity to look at the newest exhibit being shown at the Wynne Home. Under a Texas Sky by Derrick Birdsall was a beautiful back drop to the conversation about past Texans and the natural landscape the Texas Parks and Wildlife has worked so hard to protect.
I was also able to enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends of the Wynne and mingle with Miranda Estrada, a former LEAP Ambassador who–two degrees later–is working as the City’s Economic Development Specialist.
I also introduced myself to Dr. Strutt before the event began to discuss career opportunities within the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the powers held by the Texas Game Wardens and Park Police, and living in Austin.
Sarah Faulkner, the Cultural Services Manager for the Wynne Home, began the night by introducing Dr. Strutt. Ms. Faulkner actually met Dr. Strutt when she was working for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at the Battleship Texas State Historic Site. Dr. Strutt, originally from Virgina, has held his position for the Texas Parks and Wildlife for 21 years and received degrees in Anthropology, Earth Sciences, and Archeology.
Dr. Strutt started the presentation by explaining of the organizational structure of the Cultural Department. The department is divided into five smaller departments: archeology, archeology collection, preservation, cultural services, and the regional cultural services. All of the departments, except for the regional services, work out of the headquarters in Austin. The department does a lot of various tasks to ensure the preservation of our past such as fixing, cataloging, and restoring historic buildings, furniture, and other historic objects, as well as cleaning and waxing statues. With over 60,000 historical objects catalogued in Portfolio and a web application that TPWD employees use to reference historical objects that are all over the state, Dr. Strutt and his team stay very busy.
He went into depth about specific projects the Cultural Resources department has worked on, projects that are currently in the works, and the next steps for the Texas Parks and Wildlife. One of the projects I found the most fascinating was the restoration of adobe buildings at a fort in West Texas. The Cultural Resources department not only found a specialist to ensure that the building was restored, but they taught the Rangers, Interpreters, and other Park employees how to restore the building.
Dr. Strutt emphasized that every employee must know the history their park and how to care for it to ensure that the employees could answer questions from the public and, more importantly, take pride in their parks. Another recent project that took place was very close to home, as the Cultural Resources office helped Huntsville State Park redo the siding on the boathouse build by the Civilian Conservation Corps over 80 years ago.
In the field, the Cultural Resources team is also working hard. At Seminole State Park, archeologists have just recently discovered a fire pit that was last used over 2000 years ago. The site was discovered during an archeological survey before a pump station was built. At Caprock Canyon State Park, after years of erosion along the cliffs, archeologists apart of Dr. Stutts team have discovered a large deposit of Bison remains. They believe the location was a site for meat processing for a Native American tribe at one time. Dr. Strutt informed us that once more research had been included, both of these sites would be a part of the interpretation of their respective parks.
Being that is it that centennial year of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Dr. Strutt and his team have been working on various projects about the history of the department itself. He told us all about the first female superintendent of a Texas State Park, Carrie May Ferrell. Ferrell was the Superintendent of Stephen F Austin State Park during the early 1930s, but she was not the only female trailblazer in the Parks Department. Ethel Harris was the Superintendent of Mission San Jose for 22 years, before her retirement in 1963, while also running her own art business. Learning about the conservation efforts of women before women were widely accepted into the workplace was more than inspiring.
While we spend a lot of time discussing Texas’ past, we also discussed the future, that is the future of State Parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently announced that they will be opening two new natural areas and three new state parks soon. Before any construction can begin, archeological studies must be conducted, interpretations of any objects must be researched, and much more will be done by the Cultural Resources office. There are also new technologies being introduced to parks to make them more accessible such as free interpretation apps for individuals who are visually impaired. These apps are alert individuals of trail signs and actually read those signs, whether directions or interpretations, aloud. The technology is actively used at Palmetto State Park currently.
At one point during the presentation, Dr. Strutt was talking about why he likes his job. There were a lot of different reasons, but the one that stood out to me was when he said, “I get to see your parks.” A sentence as simple of that was enough to remind me that the parks, historical sites, and everything in them are parts of what Texas was and is. It was a beautiful remembrance of how connected we are to those who came before us.
The night concluded with the Friends of the Wynne presenting Dr. Strutt with a book reflecting art made out of interpretation for the state parks. Dr. Strutt was kind enough to stick around for a while to chat with attendees.
When I went to thank him for the riveting presentation, he commented on the number of State Parks I had visited. Whenever he would discuss a project, he would ask who had been to that park and most times I would raise my hand. We discussed the state parks we had both been to and which were our favorite, neither one of us could pick just one park but we both had an appreciation for Lost Maples. He suggested I go to Palo Duro Canyon, a state park I have always wanted to visit, and informed me that there was no sunset like the sunset on the canyon.
As Sine Die 88th Texas Legislative Session comes to close, SHAIP interns began to reflect on the end of their internships. Interns from Sam Houston State University have enjoyed the past five months in Austin working for legislators around the state. To commemorate their great work, SHAIP students were recognized on the House of Representatives and Senate floors by the Texas Legislature.
There was a bit of waiting around at the beginning…
…as the House appeared slow to rouse. But this gave us time for important conversations and work…
Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez began the proceedings by introducing the House Resolution highlighting SHSU students’ “outstanding service to the Texas Legislature during this 88th legislative session.”
On a personal note, Rep. Martinez highlighted SHSU student Jayelynn Bordeaux as the intern working in his office.
The other representatives that attended were able to thank their interns personally as well. Rep. Will Metcalf took the opportunity to thank Yvette Mendoza for her hard work and following his support, offered an exultant “Go Bearkats.” (He is an SHSU alum!) Rep. Rafael Anchia…
…thanked Amor Sheffield and expressed how “proud [he is] of her service to our office and the state of Texas” while also noting how excited he was for her bright future.
Rep. Martinez finished the resolution by bringing to attention the work that Ashlyn Parker and Morgan Dawson are doing for Rep. J.M. Lozano and Rep. Senfronia Thompson, respectively.
With all the students enjoying some recognition in the end.
Afterward, students hustled to the Senate Gallery, where Senator Schwertner and Senator Hughes presented a resolution to recognize the Sam Houston Austin Internship Program.
Sen. Schwertner began the resolution by providing background on the SHAIP program and stating that “[e]ach of these students should be commended for their hard work and service to the State of Texas.”
He informed the Senate that three of the nine students had been working in Senator’s offices, five have been working in the House, and one student, Breanna Demyers, has been working for the Texas Association of Counties. Jesicca Cuevas and Morgan Robertson were highlighted by the Senator, as they have been working in his office during the session.
Sen. Schwertner emphasized their hard work and professionalism, thanking them profusely.
Senator Hughes then took the floor to extol the virtues of Ingrid Cuero. After noting that Ingrid was his “first SHSU intern,” he emphatically noted, “We want more!” He praised her for her kindness, work-ethic, and smile.
This summer, Ingrid will be continuing her education in politics working with US Congressman Sessions.
The recognition process can be lengthy, and it cuts into the work that the legislators can do, so we are very grateful to the House and Senate for taking time to recognize the hard work of SHSU students and the merits of the SHAIP Program.
We are also very grateful for our students, who are putting late hours for 140 days, about six weeks longer than a regular semester!
The LEAP Center would like to thank Scott Jenkines, Chief of Staff for Armando “Mando” Martinez. Mr. Jenkines has been a great mentor to dozens of interns, and he has helped place SHSU interns since the program’s inception.
The Student Alumni Association and the College of Arts and Media hosted a wonderful program featuring three alumni at SHSU: Chris Tritico (moderator), Mia Gradney, and Morgan Chesky. Tritico, an attorney by trade and training, also appears regularly in various television and radio programs, making him the perfect moderator…
…for Gradney (Evening News Anchor for KHOU 11)…
…and Chesky (News Correspondent, NBC).
The panel discussed traits promoting success in the workplace. This includes things such as “knowing your worth,” but also recognizing that new hires don’t typically begin at the top. High-level managerial positions typically have to be earned over time, and this requires late hours, compromises in work life, and a sometimes steep learning and growth curve.
They also discussed the most interesting stories they’ve covered, and these ranged from tragedies, such as the Uvalde shooting (Chesky) or covering hurricanes (Gradney) to more celebratory events such as national championships! Such discussions not only showed explicitly the range of skills and duties the job required, but also range of skills, character traits, and interests you should have as a human being.
The event was a hit for students, with more than 100 individuals on hand from the student body, faculty and staff, and even some community members. It was a nice uniting of academic discussions, interdepartmental collaboration, and career preparation, resulting in a highly successful event.
The Sam Houston Austin Internship Program kicks off each session with “Speaker Series,” and this week’s session placed double duty on the word “Speaker.” On Friday, the nine Austin Interns heard from three members of the House Speaker’s staff: Margo Cardwell (Counsel), Sydney Watts (Chief of Staff), and Cassi Pollock (Press/Media).
With lunch from Alonti’s (thanks to Malu Gonzales from TSUS for the recommendation), the students got two-hour overview of running a leadership office–as well as invaluable career advice.
Margo Cardwell emphasized the importance of discretion in the workplace, offering discussions of both office culture and the legal requirements of reporting office communications. She also explored the protections the Texas House offers against sexual harassment, and she offered the nine young women resources for addressing that issue, should they need resources. Cardwell then discussed her own career path, which involved an undergraduate degree in Washington, DC, law school at the University of Texas, and a series of legal/political jobs.
Without a master strategic plan to end up as Legal Counsel for the Speaker of the House, the jobs she chose made her both qualified and ideal for such a position. With six of the nine interns wanting to be attorneys, her advice was well received.
After serving as a reporter for several years for the Texas Tribune, Cassi Pollock now works as Press Secretary for Speaker Phelan. Pollock’s years covering politics and ability to write and communicate serve her well in her current role.
She emphasized the importance of writing skill for any office-legal-political job, a point echoed by Margo Cardwell. Pollock also underscored the need to stay true to your moral compass.
As a political reporter, she did her best to remain neutral and report the facts as she learned them and not to be swayed by her own–or others’–political leanings.
Sydney Watts has worked for two speakers, Bonnen and now Phelan, serving as the latter’s “Director of Administration.” She discussed basic management, tips for professional settings, tips for interns, and navigating the capitol.
One point she made was that no job is beneath any staffer. In fact, she pointed out that Margo might be “stocking the refrigerator” on one day, and the next she might be representing the Texas House in the court system. She highlighted the fact that the Texas House is one of the best places in the country for young people to work and to make a difference. In addition, she encouraged the interns to ask questions, particularly if (1) they were uncertain about something, (2) if they were curious, or (3) if they needed assistance with prioritizing tasks. For students in their first professional jobs with real responsibility, the advice was needed.
The students also had a chance to chime in, discussing what they’ve learned about things in the legislature, their biggest challenges, and aspects of Austin or the Texas Legislature they’ve found most interesting. Jessica Cuevas discussed the challenges of being an introvert and asserting oneself, Amor Sheffield discussed the challenges of being semi-introverted and having to speak to so many people in the Capitol all day long…
…and Breanna Demyers commented on the diversity of people from Texas’s 254 counties.
After the rewarding visit, we were able to take a photo in the House Gallery, with Ms. Cardwell and Ms. Watt (Ms. Pollock was, by this time, in a meeting).
It was a rewarding day for all of us, occurring in the midst of what is shaping up to be the most rewarding semester in our college careers.
After months of applying, interviewing, and apartment-hunting, the Austin Internship Program is getting real for nine SHSU students. These nine students, Jessica Cuevas, Morgan Robertson, Yvette Mendoza, Ingrid Cuero, Ashlyn Parker, Jayelynn Bordeaux, Morgan Dawson, Amor Sheffield, and Breanna Demyers, will be beginning their Austin internships one month from today.
To prepare, they received an orientation from two top-notch employees of SHSU: Ms. Julie Schwab and Dean Shani Robinson. With moderation by Intern Director Mike Yawn, Robinson and Schwab discussed tips for navigating office politics, dressing for success, defusing conflict, and making a first impression.
In the latter case, Dean Robinson noted that people’s first impressions are often made in seven seconds, while also complimenting the students on their first impression–students stood up, walked forward, extended their hands, introduced themselves, and welcomed the presenters.
Ms. Schwab brought some swag, including padfolios to help the students on their road to professionalism and a Brene Brown book (“Imperfect”). Professor Yawn also provided students with business cards, a book (“How Important People Act,” by Ambassador Chase Untermeyer), and a business card holder.
With finals still before the students, the meeting was kept short, but the participants lingered as new advice was thought of and new questions were asked. Robinson and Schwab were generously supportive of the students, and despite the short length of the meeting, there was some bonding involved–leaving the students with some additional supporters and a larger professional network.
…who introduced our keynote speaker for the general session, Nora McInerny, whose talk, “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” played on themes she discusses in her podcast and books.
She displayed her dry, witty sense of humor while also touching on loss, grief, change, and new beginnings. Most importantly, she addressed the ability to genuinely answer the question, “How are you?” I think we often answer with the word “fine,” which is okay, but sometimes, it’s okay not to be okay.
Following McInerny’s inspirational words, we had a chance to meet her and discuss her talk.
She was very generous.
Today was a unique day with their awards luncheon! Once the doors opened, we scurried off to get a table and save Huntsville’s City Manager, Aaron Kulhavy, a seat next to us. For most of the luncheon, we were conversing with Aaron to get to know him and learn more about city management.
Our entrée for lunch consisted of Ham with Barbeque sauce, and grits, accompanied by a variety of vegetables such as corn and some delicious carrots. Once we finished our main dish, we started on our dessert which was a delicious fruit tart with oranges and strawberries. Countless city officials were recognized for their outstanding work and accomplishments throughout the years. It was truly an amazing and rewarding experience.
Once the luncheon was over, Aaron Kulhavy took us around and introduced us to multiple people from the surrounding areas before we split off to the breakout sessions.
Isabel enjoyed the economic development conference presented by Imelda Speck, the Economic Developer in Irving, Texas, which is Isabel’s hometown! Speck along with the other panelists talked about the effects the Covid-19 pandemic had on their cities and small businesses. Isabel found it interesting to hear about the programs the City of Irving implemented to try and soften the blow. Jessica found this session particularly easy to understand and follow thanks to her Finance Internship with the City of Huntsville.
In ways, her internship with the Finance Department helped her understand things in different sessions such as previously mentioned and the strategic plans session. However, this can also be said of Morgan after interning with the City Secretary.
Morgan’s favorite conference, All Disasters are Local, Your Emergency Program Should Be, Too, by Nim Kidd. Kidd talked about three new technologies that they are putting in place to cover more bases regarding emergency management. It was also intriguing to know how they are also starting the first academy in the nation for emergency management and will be placing 100 new agents in 100 new counties.
Despite many good sessions today, my all-time favorite was the opening session with Nora Mclnerny.
Dinner in Downtown Bastrop
Isabel Behm
Once the conference wrapped up for the day, we were beyond excited to explore downtown Bastrop and eat at a local place. On our way to Piney Creek Chophouse, we took a moment to admire the various bookstores, coffee shops, and beautiful homes in their downtown. Piney Creek Chophouse is a nice neat little local restaurant that has a unique architectural design and interior that adds to the character of the place.
Often Professor Yawn forgets to feed us, but makes up for it when he treats us to a fancy steakhouse. Never failing to get us appetizers to hold us over until our entrees arrive, we ordered Crab Cakes, Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms, and Bruschetta.
We were also provided with a delicious, crafted artisan bread accompanied by butter. The crab cakes were bursting with flavor, and we even convinced Jessica, who isn’t a fan of crab or seafood, to try a bite! We couldn’t get her to try a mushroom, but maybe we’ll have some better luck next time.
As we waited for our main entrees, Professor Yawn gave us a quick crash course about dining etiquette. Soon enough, our main entrees were brought out to us, Morgan and Izabella shared a Filet Mignon served with Mashed Potatoes and Haricot Verts. Jessica and I both shared a New York Strip accompanied by Mashed Potatoes and Haricot Verts as well.
Professor Yawn enjoyed a Strawberry Salad and a side of fried Brussel Sprouts which we all absolutely loved.
Each dish had its own quality that made it special, and each dish was full of different flavors. We all had our own unique experiences. After our main dish, I was sure I was full and had no room for dessert…. I was wrong.
Dessert included an exquisite Bread Pudding, A Molten Lava Cake, and Banana Foster. I found the Banana Foster the most interesting since our waitress brought the dish out covered in flames which certainly made for a cool and unique presentation. The Banana Foster had a very strong cinnamon taste and a slight hint of coconut, it was one of the favorites and there was not a single piece left on the dish. The Bread Pudding had more of a sweet, rich taste and the Molten lava cake was very neatly presented, and the brownie was super rich and paired with the ice cream, it made for a wonderful combination.
We all had a great time at dinner, and it was the perfect way to end a long eventful day.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 