By Lori Roberts
It’s Wednesday afternoon and the fall session for Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL) has officially begun! By the looks on their faces, it seems almost too easy to spot the zero stars. There are numerous events that take place at session and the probability of it seeming frightful is high. For zero stars, being their first time, it is always a pleasure seeing returning delegates lending a helping hand.
As all of the zero stars gather together in one room, it is almost impossible to escape the quite, blank faced students that sit around as one. To lighten the mood, it is opened with a friendly line of freshmen delegates describing themselves through a game of one truth and a lie. The tension begins to ease and the room starts to fill with oxygen as many students let out a huge sigh of relief.
As personalities begin to break through, it is noticeable that the ice has been broken and this week was going to be one for the books. Amongst older members, “zero stars” are frequently characterized as being shy or less talkative. RSU representative, John Baron, has voted against this stereotype. “As a two star, sitting in a room with zero stars, I can see their personalities start to show as they talk amongst one another,” Baron said. Knowing that the zero stars are being more active and involved creates a more beneficial experience for the week.
Being a part of OIL is more than just a week of fun; it is a time for colleges to come together as one to share their interest in this program. Although everyone shares differences such as ideas, beliefs, race, ethnicity and culture, everyone acts as family at OIL. Session is a time to grow and find your place in the organization and the amount of stars you have does not mean you cannot shine.