Anna Pope (OSU)
Today delegates met and started Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature’s (OIL) session from the comfort of their own homes. Even though OIL’s session is virtual its leadership is determined to keep the competitive and personable atmosphere many delegates experience while at the traditional session.
Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, many people deeply feel the challenges it continues to have in their communities. During the joint session Gov. Lacey Hickey said conducting OIL over the virtual platform Zoom should serve as a reminder of those challenges in Oklahoma’s society, university and communities, fueling delegates’ drive in improving Oklahoma.
The joint session featured two guest speakers who relayed the idea of how delegates can better their societies and channeling that motivation into their work ethic during the delegation’s time in session.
President of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs Johnathan Small said the obstacle of fear is extremely prevalent. Whether it is in everyday life or during this session, we must address it. Small said fear is rooted in anxiety for the future or focused on the sins of the past, and for things to improve people must embrace courage.
To finish up the meeting President of Young Democrats of America and OIL Alumnus, Joshua Harris-Till said OIL shaped his future and is a way for delegates to show their passion for caring about people. Till said politics and having compassion for people are directly correlated and the skills delegates learn at OIL are invaluable in the real world.
“OIL has the potential to be the difference maker in Oklahoma,” Till said.
While the political process can cause divisions, Till said delegates need to be united in their effort to be part of the solution, not just in OIL but in Oklahoma’s society as a whole.