By Journalist Abigail Bowman (ORU)
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation upon arriving at the designated hotel for the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature. However, the initial excitement was marred by an unexpected challenge—the elevator was out of order. This predicament forced all participants to ascend multiple flights of stairs, grappling with their luggage. In an interview with first-year representative Gilmore, frustration was palpable as he recounted the ordeal of climbing four flights of stairs. The inconvenience cast a shadow over the otherwise promising legislative session commencement.
As delegates prepared to depart for the open joint session, whispers about relocating to a different hotel gained momentum. Elevator inconveniences did not merely fuel the speculation; it was substantiated during an interview with Governor Evan Shaw. Shockingly, reports of bed bugs in the rooms circulated, adding a layer of discomfort to an already challenging situation.
To reassure participants, Governor Shaw affirmed in an interview that he is committed to ensuring that such unforeseen difficulties would not mar the first experience for many delegates. Rep. Mitchell, echoing Governor Shaw’s sentiments, highlighted that the last session’s hotel provided a more pleasant experience. The grim reality of the bed bug situation was confirmed by Rep. Mitchell, dispelling any notion that it was mere rumor. Despite the adversity, Rep. Mitchell injected a touch of humor, remarking that he found the prospect of bed bugs less daunting than the specter of COVID-19. Six Star Maddy Cantrell acknowledged the challenges faced on the first day but assured that efforts were underway to remedy the situation. Though the initial leg of the session was far from ideal, the day concluded positively as all delegates found themselves in a new hotel, free from the concerns of bed bugs and other inconveniences. During the open joint session, Governor Shaw offered a candid perspective, stating, “It’s O.I.L., something’s bound to happen; hopefully, it was in the first afternoon instead of later.” This acknowledgment of the inevitable challenges underscored the resilient spirit of the O.I.L. community, encouraging a collective focus on overcoming obstacles.
As stated by Rep. Rodriguez, “The unexpected turn of events on the first day did not dampen the spirits of the participants.” Instead, it served as a rallying point, fostering a sense of resilience and camaraderie. The collective experience of overcoming challenges united the delegates, instilling a shared determination to make the subsequent days of the legislative session more fruitful. In retrospect, the first-day check-in missteps at the O.I.L underscored the importance of adaptability and collaborative problem-solving. Despite the initial setbacks, the delegates found themselves in a conducive environment, setting the stage for a renewed sense of optimism and purpose as they looked ahead to the following days.