By: Destiny Lugo (ORU)
House and Senate members take their seats preparing for a new session of OIL
April 2, 2025 marks the beginning of a new OIL session, held in Oklahoma City in the beloved state capitol building where students all over the state of Oklahoma have gathered in this event simulating the functions of all the governmental operations that particularly take place in the state of Oklahoma. Students of various political affiliations and creeds are gathered in the capitol to collaborate, communicate, listen, compromise, and cooperate together, while working on their interpersonal skills.
The sessions began with House and Senate members gathered together for general introductions as the room observed the general protocol of welcoming members while clapping and entertaining with “dad jokes”, the most memorable being, “How do astronauts say they are sorry? – I apollogize!!”. Non-surprisingly, not many laughed. The room soon had the privilege of hearing from the respected speaker Ray Rivera who engaged the room in exploring where they gather their news from with hopes of helping his audience realize the grand importance of where they gather their information from.
Shortly after Kylee Laginess and Kai Marron stepped up to the platform where they delivered their campaign speeches. The words of Laginess resounded throughout the room, “I challenge you to rise this week!”, while Marron’s confidence caught the attention of more than a dozen; “I am going to be your next lieutenant governor”. A great deal of emphasis was put on the elections of both the aspiring lieutenant governor’s and OIL governor’s campaigns.
As the evening progressed I was able to interview these members to understand what they believe they offer OIL as individuals working to build the association. From each of them I received varying responses. Jacob Shawnfield asserted that he knows how to manage money considering that he allocates $80,000 every year to registered student organizations with his budgeting committee. He emphasized that he is resilient, positive, and good at connecting with people. Marron, on the other hand, reported that he has spent time on the student board and now holds the status of press pro. He particularly boasted about his adaptability. Laginess emphasized that she has a unique ability to seek out the right sponsorships and land financial support, and even disclosed that she owns her own 501c3 called Berry Loved Closet. Alex Edmundson running for governor against Jacob Shawnfied shared that he plans to utilize his team to help himovercome the difficulties of being the governor of OIL and ultimately believes he is a team player.
The care and consideration that was put into exposing the OIL body to what each member running for leadership stands for as individuals, points to the fact that OIL as an association cares deeply about having an informed body that would vote from a place of knowledge and decisiveness, versus ignorance and blind loyalty. Today’s entry into this year’s session guarantees excellent debate, and promises great strides in personal growth for all who are attending.