by Janie Robbins
Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature is in session! They spent the first day of session in joint session. This is where the House of Representatives and the Senate come together in the House chambers to recognize leadership and listen to a few speakers.
Today they are spending the time before lunch in committees to go over bills and prep for the first day on the floor.
Standing on the floor of both the House and the Senate, facing away from the Chair, one can see directly into the press box. The home of the press.
While actual congress is in session, this is where publications such as the Associated Press and the Oklahoman sit to cover the ongoing activities.
While OIL is in session, this is where the OIL journalists attempt to write their articles under very tight deadlines. Over the past few sessions, the journalists became less like competitors, and more like friends.
From the floor, a row of laptops is visible. The journalists spend their time researching bills as well as people. But many times, they are cracking jokes and laughing hysterically at one another. Coffee cups litter the table. It is rumored that OIL journalists are seventy percent caffeine.
“I look forward to glancing up and seeing them so focused on what’s going on down below,” a Senator said. “You can tell they really enjoy what they do. I love being interviewed by them.”
The journalism program is one that does not get much credit these days. While having fun this session, do not forget to take time to appreciate the shenanigans.