With the first part of March spent traveling back to Huntsville to host the Texas Supreme Court at Sam Houston, the month was off to a great start! Between experiences at the Capitol and in the city, living in Austin for the semester has been pack full of excitement! This session, I am interning for State Senator Schwertner. Senator Schwertner is the Chair of Health and Human Services Committee for the Texas Senate and is a member of several other committees. My responsibilities include a range of office tasks that range from administrative duties to policy analysis.
This month the 85th Legislative Session hit two important milestones: the sixty-day filing deadline and the Session halfway point! According to the Constitution, the first sixty days of session is the only period where bills can be filed. During this period bills can not be heard on the Senate or House Floors unless the Governor declares it an emergency item. However, after the sixty day deadline no more bills can be filed.
Now that the deadline has passed, the House and Senate can vote on regular bills. As a result, committee hearings, floor discussion, and bill analyses are an every-day occurrence at the Capitol. Also, the session halfway point has come and gone which means our 140 days of session are flying by and leaving!
Not only have I been learning every day in the office at my internship, I’ve also had interesting experiences as a result of my internship. This month I attended the Texas Legislature’s Army Day where Legislative members and staff learned about the Texas Military.
I, along with other Legislative staff members, had the opportunity to fly out Camp Swift in Bastrop, TX, where the Texas Military Department hosts thousands of National Guard militants for training every year. During our day at camp, we flew on Blackhawk helicopters…
…participated in firearm simulations, and shot a real machine gun (with the supervision and assistance of National Guard members of course). The experiences were as memorable as working inside the capitol! I appreciated that the Texas Military Department took the day to teach us through a hands-on experience about their department’s duties.
One of my favorite parts of living in Austin has included trying new restaurants every week! Often, I get together with my fellow LEAP Ambassadors and Austin Interns to try a new and exciting restaurant. This month, my favorite restaurant we tried proved to be Kebabilicious which not only has great food, but a fun atmosphere! Exploring Austin has given me new perspective and experiences that I am thankful for! I am looking forward to the rest of Session and more of our weekly food adventures!
Additionally, I have enjoyed sightseeing around Austin. This month I visited Pennybacker Bridge which is not only an architecturally interesting bridge, but includes a short hike to overlook the sprawling hillsides of Austin.
Although our days at the Capitol can be long and exhausting, I always enjoy getting away from the busy city to enjoy the refreshing scenery of the hillsides.
As I continue through this session, whether I am shooting a thousand rounds per second or making my 5 mph commute through I-35, I cherish every day of my Austin experience. As the Senate gets busier I’ll appreciate a moment to just hang around in Austin.
Austin Intern Beatriz Martinez shares her experiences at the Sam Houston Birthday party in Austin, TX.
In 1879, one of the greatest Texas universities was established to honor one of Texas’ greatest heroes. In 2017, current and former Bearkats traveled to Austin to pay tribute to this great hero, General Sam Houston. Even though his date of birth is March 2nd, we decided to party a little early. On February 28, a grand celebration was held in Austin to commemorate Sam Houston’s birthday.
Early that day, SHSU alumni banded together to visit fellow SHSU students that are a part of the Sam Houston Austin Internship (SHAIP), bearing gifts for their offices in the true Bearkat-giving spirit. In total, there are 10 different SHSU interns working in different offices: Alejandra Galvan with Senator Kolkhorst, Beatriz Martinez with Representative Armando Martinez, Christina Perez with Representative Jim Murphy, Brian Aldaco with Representative Will Metcalf…
Later that evening, the SHSU Alumni Association sponsored and hosted a reception to invite Legislators and their staff to join in the Bearkat celebration at the Austin Club. Guests included SHSU professors and staff, Texas State University System (TSUS) Regents, administrators, legislative staff, and legislators. The LEAP Ambassadors had the pleasure of meeting with former-Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Gib Lewis…
…TSUS Chancellor Brian McCall, Vice Chancellor Mike Wintemute, TSUS Vice Chancellor Sean Cunningham, and former Regent and SHSU alum Trisha Pollard. Some of the legislators in attendance were accompanied by their interns: Beatriz Martinez with Representative Martinez, Christina Perez with Representative Murphy, and Brian Aldaco with Representative Metcalf.
Fur us, it was a lot of fun, one of the most pleasant events in which we participate. In addition to the Austin interns, Professor Yawn brings in volunteer students from SHSU to assist the President’s Office and the Alumni Association. Several of these students were selected because of their promise as future Austin interns, and it’s a chance for them to meet with the current Austin interns and learn more about the expectations and responsibilities of the job.
As guests mingled, President Dana Hoyt spoke to the audience, thanking the guests for attending. She shared some “fun facts” about SHSU, including the University’s retention rates in school districts around the state; employment rates for Bearkats; and rankings of various departments in SHSU.
SHSU alum Todd Kercheval (and President of the Alumni Association) also spoke, highlighting more of the University’s achievements.
And Chancellor Brian McCall spoke, illuminating some of the accomplishments of SHSU and the entire TSUS system.
As a Ph.D., a former Representative in the Texas Legislature, and as Chancellor, McCall has a unique perspective on realistic goals and the means to achieve those goals.
It was a fun event, with SHSU freshmen and sophomores serving as volunteers; Austin interns who are mostly juniors and seniors; and alumni on hand. It was a great chance for Bearkats of all generations to spend time together and with legislative staff.
By Allison Faith
SHSU freshman Allison Faith shares her perspective of participating in the Sam Houston Birthday.
As a freshman and new student to the LEAP Center, I was fortunate to volunteer at this fun-filled event. After driving from Huntsville to Austin in the early afternoon, we arrived at the beautiful Austin Club. One of our main tasks at the Sam Houston Birthday Celebration was to hand out name tags.
Attendees of the event included The Board of Regents, Chancellor Brian McCall, LEAP Center ambassadors, Austin Interns, SHSU alumni, Texas legislators, and University faculty. While handing out name tags, we had the opportunity to meet many of these individuals in a short amount of time. Once the event started, we were able to mingle and network as well. I took this time to also chat with the Austin interns about their experiences working at the Texas Capitol. They provided valuable insight to what the internship was like as well as advice for what I can do now to prepare for the upcoming session in 2019.
My favorite part of the event was getting to meet Mike Wintemute, the Executive Director of the TSUS Foundation. As a student interested in pursuing a career as a communications officer or press secretary, I greatly enjoyed learning about his background and job opportunities in this field.
But the whole evening was wonderful, and it was a great opportunity to meet senior students, alumni, legislators, and staff, all of whom went out of their way to make the evening enjoyable for the novices in the crowd.
The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank President Hoyt, Charlie Vienne, Charlene McWilliams, Riley Kleppelid, and Meagen Korenek for including us in the event.
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…
As has been SHSU’s tradition, every legislative session the LEAP Center finds exemplary students to intern at the capitol with the state legislators. From a week of mid-terms to a weekend of new legislative terms, the LEAP students traveled to Austin to tour the capital, interview in legislative offices, and explore the rest of the city.
Interviews, by Vincent Melore
It was six o’clock in the morning when we LEAPed out of bed, awaiting the opportunity of a life time. Donning our newly pressed suits, we eagerly anticipated the ride to the capitol, where we would interview with three staff members representing various legislative candidates. When we arrived at the front gates of the capitol we were struck with awe. Magnificent coal black gates surrounded a structure like no other in the state of Texas. The capitol, dressed with genuine Texas red granite and topped with the gorgeous guardian of liberty, was truly a testament to all the opportunities that Texas provides.
LEAP Center Students Sit in on Appropriations Committee
Soon after the group arrived at the capitol, we interviewed staffers from numerous offices including: Benjamin Williams, Director of Administration for Representative Jim Murphy; Eiman Siddiqui, future chief of staff for Representative-elect Tom Oliverson; and Nick Raymond, future chief of staff for Representative-elect Ernest Bailes. The interviews were indeed a learning experience as potential Austin interns Vincent Melore, Christina Perez, and Isabela Gonzalez were interviewed simultaneously for their first interview of the morning. During the interview, the group was asked typical interview questions, hypothetical interview questions, and some questions that seemed unusual but were used to get an understanding of our unique personalities and whether or not they would fit well in their offices.
As we continued interviewing throughout the day, we also toured through a few of the offices to gain a feel for the environment and expectations of each office (just in case we get placed). We soon understood how important it would be to maintain a professional and positive attitude. As the frontline of the representative’s office we would be responsible for ensuring the integrity and security of that office. Although we all knew we would be in for the workload of a lifetime, this in no way stifled our determination and drive to serve the legislature.
Site-Seeing, by Victoria McClendon-Leggett
Meanwhile, with a muggy and dull sky, LEAP students without impending interviews began their day differently. As we poured out of the van, we filed through the gates and paused as we took a moment to gaze up at the Texas State Capitol. “I’m going to go park. Will you see about getting a tour?” Professor Yawn said to Beatriz. She turned on her heels and began to lead the group towards the edifice that towered in front of them. The façade looked almost pink in contrast to the grey sky. The building was a beautiful example of the renaissance revival style. The walls were smooth, polished red marble. Columns surrounded the rotunda that rose high above the rest of the building, and all around it the pediments of each individual wing came to form four separate peaks.
Some of the students had been here before, but we were all just as mesmerized by the ornate capitol details surrounding us. While waiting for the next tour to start we had time to admire the general splendor. The floor was terrazzo marble that somehow managed to gleam in what little light from outside had found its way in through the 900+ windows that functionally adorn the Capitol building. Professor Yawn eventually joined us and we followed the tour guide as he ushered us up wrought iron staircases, down hallways with more than twenty identical doorways, and past portraits of former Texas governors.
The tour itself lasted only about forty minutes, and then afterwards the group had to go their separate ways. Some had interviews for prospective internships, some had already landed their internships and simply wanted to visit different offices…
LEAP Center Students in Senator Schwertner’s Office, with Staff Member Deandra Porter
and some were left to amuse themselves for the day. Eventually, we all made our way through the winding halls and tunnels of the capitol and regrouped at the Reference Library before going to lunch.
LEAP Center Students, Ever-Studious, in the Capitol Reference Library
Food, by Christina Perez
After an adventurous morning at the capitol, we headed to Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria. The options for pizza pies seemed endless. The first suggestion was pepperoni, but we all decided that we should explore different options. After a vote across the table, we decided to order the “Chairman of the Board” which was Frank Sinatra’s nickname after he founded Reprise Records in 1960. We also decided to try “white pizza.” This take on pizza strays away from the path of familiarity for some of us as the tomato sauce is replaced with alfredo. In true Austin spirit, we embraced the change and decided to go for the strange. While enjoying the delicious pizza pies, with expressive eyes we discussed how we could see of the town. Eventually we figured out the best routes through the city that would take us through housing options for the spring.
More Food, Brian Aldaco
Tired of looking through countless apartment complexes, a bit weary from the costly Austin living, we found it apt to unwind with a visit to the ever favorite Clay Pit. From the Guadalupe St rumbling echoes of traffic, we crossed into the cozy, calm Indian cuisine restaurant. As we were seated, the spicy aromas which filled the air prompted us to get ready for this trip down savory lane. As their eyes met the different menu items, students who had never been to an Indian restaurant looked perplexed, perhaps even frightened. Items such as Goat Curry, Lamb Roganjosh, Boti Kabab, (whose pronunciation was just as ambiguous as its ingredients) were met with curiosity but ordered nonetheless.
For dessert, we agreed on the savory treat of creme-brulee, Gulab Jamun, and the Hot and Cold Love (a unique combination of vanilla ice-cream and specially prepared carrot puree). After hearty conversation, good food, and a couple of table mishaps here and there…
Sadie McLaughlin, Following a Water-Drinking Mishap
…we managed to get off our seats and take a night walk through UT Campus and the Capitol.
We strolled through the city until we reached the UT Campus. As we neared the glowing UT Tower, we surveyed the South lookout from our viewpoint.
Standing on that pebbled ground we stayed contemplating at the bright vista of a very beautiful Texas Capitol dome. Night crawling through more of Austin we re-visited the State Capitol and pensively strolled down the perimeter of the legislative building.
With a day full of weary and a tomorrow full of mystery, it was nice to walk worry free, soaking in the pleasant moon glow and shine from our Texas seal. Our little weekend adventure had come to its end.
With a drive back to Huntsville in the morning, we took our last glances of the capitol, gave our last sighs, and agreed on how pleasant the day as a whole had been. Even though nerves ran high, and results are yet to be seen, at least we got to spend an adventurous day at Austin with great friends.
With the 85th Legislative Session on the horizon, the LEAP Center invited a trio of accomplished State Legislative staffers to participate in a discussion panel/ Q&A Session addressing careers in government. Gathered to see the panel were 25 SHSU students, with interests ranging from law school, to the legislature, to an Austin Internship en route to a career in government. Whatever their end goal, however, all the students gained a better understanding of how to make it in the professional world following college.
On hand were Sarah Tillman (District Director for Rep. Will Metcalf)…
Zachary Stephenson (Chief of Staff for Rep. Will Metcalf)…
and Eiman Siddiqui (Chief of Staff for Rep. Tom Oliverson).
Interestingly, both Representatives Metcalf and Oliverson are SHSU Alums.
Tillman offered students wisdom on maintaining appropriate social media sites. Even though her advice was targeted to prospective Austi interns, it was applicable to the entire professional world. Zach Stephenson also emphasized professionalism, discussing the pitfalls that can plague young people who get caught up in the Austin bar scene. Whether outside of work or on social media, interns represent the office for which they work, and an unprofessional facebook post or an arrest harms not only the student, but also the office.
The panelists also discussed the skill set desired by legislative offices. While the offices desire intelligence, the most important qualities are the ability to deal effectively with people, a positive and professional attitude, flexibility, and writing skills, the latter being especially stressed by Eiman Siddiqui.
During the session, hours are long and the pay is small, so many of the people with the skill set described above move on when the session is over. But the high turnover rate is also an opportunity for young people to move up in the legislative environment, making a career in the legislature a real possibility. Indeed, all of the panelists were in their 20s or early 30s.
The panelists’ youth and their wisdom allowed them to relate to us, and we plan to lean heavily on them if we are fortunate enough to spend next semester in Austin!
As we moved into the third day of our internships in Austin, we remained excited about heading to work in the monumental granite building that symbolizes Texas’s enduring pride–and, for us, symbolizes opportunity. There’s just something about entering the Capitol building and starting work in a legislative office.
Traveling Through Time in Texas
Unlike the other SHSU interns, I had a somewhat different morning planned. I met with Speaker Straus’s staff and some of their interns, and we headed to the Stephen F. Austin building that houses the oldest agency in Texas: the General Land Office (GLO).
After Texas declared its independence in 1836, the GLO was created to determine “who owned what, and where.” This agency was used to end land disputes that were created during the migration to Texas after the Texas Revolution and to determine appropriate land grants to those who had served in the war. During the tour we were exposed to rare documents such as Davy Crockett’s land grant of 1,240 acres that was given to his family after the war. While reading the grant, we noticed a discrepancy in the dates. The document states: “Having served faithfully for the term of six months from the eighth day of January until the sixth day of March”(sic). But, of course, January to March isn’t six months. The discrepancy, we learned, stems from the fact that the office gave the families of those who died “more time” in Texas to ensure they earned more land.
Also of note was the letter William B. Travis wrote while under siege at the Alamo. Addressed to “The People of Texas and All Americans in the world,” Travis made a call for volunteers and promised to fight until “Victory or Death.”
Two other documents that sparked my interest were one of two original drafts of the Texas Constitution…
…and a land patent signed by none other than the man himself, Sam Houston!
Being able to see Sam Houston’s original signature is now the peak of my Bearkat pride.
In this era, the GLO manages state lands, operates the Alamo, helps Texans recovering from natural disasters, helps fund Texas public education through the Permanent School Fund, provides benefits to Texas Veterans, and manages the vast Texas coast and is the home of many original maps of Texas.
Lunch at Frank & Angies
After this interesting tour taking my back in Texas’s history, I, along with Kaitlyn, Megan, Karla and Beatriz had lunch at Frank and Angie’s with Eiman Siddiqui, the current Capitol Director for Representative Galindo and future chief of staff for the newly elected Representative Tom Oliverson, whose alma mater is SHSU!
While we all indulged in a supreme and a veggie pizza, Eiman was able to tell us about his past experiences as an intern at the capitol, a staff member and soon he might even tell us about being a chief of staff! We received invaluable advice from Eiman on what to do and what not to do while being an intern during the legislative session. We impersonated sponges during this conversation, absorbing all the information he had to share. We all appreciated the time that Eiman took out of his day to have lunch with us, and all of the advice that he was kind enough to share in such a short time frame.
New Offices
It was now time for another exciting change: at the official half-way mark of the week, we all (except for Beatriz) switched offices. Our switches included:
Megan Chapa with Rep. Todd Hunter
Megan going from Representative Zerwas to Rep. Hunter’s Office
Kaitlyn going from Senator Kolkhorst to Senator Schwertner’s Office
Karla going from Senator Schwertner’s Office to Representative Zerwas’s Office
And me going from Representative Hunter’s office to Senator Kolkhorst’s office.
Having met her on a couple of occasions, I was looking forward to this experience.
I was given a tour as part of my orientation, and it was immediately clear that Senate offices are larger. After this short introduction, I was given the office manual, a newsletter sent by Senator Kolkhorst to her constituents, a packet covering intern duties, and a 15-minute new employee video to watch.
I learned more about Senator Kolkhorst, my duties, and how the office and the senate work. Also, I learned more about a hearing that takes place tomorrow, one that Senator Kolkhorst will attend!
Although summer is a slow time in the legislature, I helped greet two groups of students (one elementary, one high school) who stopped by to speak with staff, became acquainted with the staff, and learned the office equipment: phones, copiers, scanners, faxes, and printers.
It was an educational and productive day, one I hope lays the foundation for many more to come!
The experiences were as memorable as working inside the capitol! I appreciated that the Texas Military Department took the day to teach us through a hands-on experience about their department’s duties.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 