By Journalist Teyte Holcomb (OSU)
OIL is open for business!
Today members from schools all across the state of Oklahoma gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol Building for the first session of the 55 legislature for the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.
After what seemed like a rocky start, students said they are hopeful to see what the rest of session is going to bring.
Senator Wesley Hurlbut (OSU) said he thinks that despite a little setback in the beginning, he is hopeful that the competition will continue in full force.
“No doubt [this is] going to impact people, no question,” Hurlbut said.
“It’s also true that OIL sessions are no strangers to strange circumstances.”
The day began with a joint session between the House of Representatives and the Senate where Governor Evan Shaw introduced the week and what all was in store for the representatives, senators, justices and mooters.
After a speech from Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Dustin Rowe, representatives were then able to break out into committees where bills would then be workshopped.
Mooter and part-time representative Carlos Vazquez (ORU) said he is most excited to show off his mooting skills, even with setbacks like changing hotels last minute.
“Moot court is definitely going to be challenging,” Vazquez said.
“I think staying in session pretty late definitely throws off the preparation, especially those who have moot court practice early in the morning. That can be hard trying to squeeze in the last little bit of prep whenever there’s all these different accommodations to make.”
OIL has seen a record number of people this session, especially with moot court. Although many are part-time house representatives, others are solely focusing on moot court and what it offers.
Even though there seemed to be a couple bumps in the road, Audrey Fleschute (ALU) said she doesn’t think it has to be all bad.
“I think if anything it’s going to be a better bonding moment, I think that is something that has been tough with OIL,” Fleschute said.
“Especially for our zero stars, they come in hearing all of these things… and a little bump in the road brings people together, especially when our leadership is able to handle it.”