By Francesca Garbrah
On November 18, 2015 session begins. Many students from different universities are gathered here on this fine Oklahoma day in the capitol building to learn about the legislative and political process. Many feelings are raised up about the next few days but mostly excitement. A few of the students gathered today are freshman who share similar sentiments on session.
Representative Elissa Tutton from Oral Roberts University states, “I am excited about making new friends who have the same interest as me and to hear all the different bills as well as learning more about what my possible future will look like. I am nervous about not doing something exactly the way I’m supposed to do it, but it is a learning experience that I’m excited to learn more about.”
“I am most excited about the friendships I’m going to make and how educated I’ll become from hearing other people’s bills and perspectives,” began Representative Karen Leon from Oral Roberts University. “I’m nervous that I wouldn’t present my bill in the way I practiced because I’ll get too nervous. I don’t want my bills to seem biased in anyway. I don’t want to offend people but rather present my bills in a way that shows others why it should get passed.”
While being engaged with the students during preparation for session, bill writing, and getting ready for chamber I was able to see many students anxious, tense, and edgy but also very enthusiastic and eager. Emotions ranged from high and low, but the overall consensus is that students were all grateful for the chance to be at session.
Parliamentarian Eric Yoder from Oral Roberts University has some advice for the freshman this year. He states, “O.I.L is a great organization in which I am honored to be a part of. My advice to the freshman or any new comers to session is to not be afraid but rather keep in mind that session is a learning experience in which you’ll benefit from. Remember that you receive whatever you put in so give it your best, step out of your comfort zone even if you don’t know exactly what to do, you learn by participating. Most of all have fun this is a privilege, an enjoyable experience that we can partake in.”
So to all of the freshman or newcomers, don’t waste the time you have here. Make friends with other students on different delegations. Enjoy yourselves. Don’t stress but rather give it all you’ve got. Try your best. You most likely will get nervous but also excited, so take advantage of being a part of this fantastic organization.