It’s not every day that students have the opportunity to pick the brain of the highest-ranking female official in the State of Texas, but Tuesday night the LEAP Ambassadors enjoyed quality time with Christi Craddick, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission.
The visit marked the first time that Chairman Craddick had visited SHSU’s campus, and she spent it generously, offering advice to young women (and a couple of young men, too) on getting involved.
She encouraged us to get involved at the local level; to volunteer for non-profits, government agencies, and other worthy causes; and to take opportunities when they presented themselves.
It was good advice, and also validation of sorts, inasmuch as our LEAP program provides just such opportunities to us–including the opportunity to meet with Chairman Craddick!
She also explained to us the functioning of the Railroad Commission, a widely misunderstood agency.
Although the oldest regulatory agency in Texas, it actually no longer has any jurisdiction over railroads. Instead, its primary function is to regulate the oil and gas industry, a field she knew well from a career as an attorney specializing in natural resources and energy.
It was an enlightening meeting, not only from an informational perspective, but also from an inspirational perspective–motivating us to redouble our efforts to make a difference in our local communities and beyond.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 