By Journalist Stephanie Landaverde (OSU).
Gov. Barnett presented a speech at the OIL Opening Joint Session.
The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature reconvened on Wednesday.
There is a great number of newcomers this session: of 70 House members, 53 have two stars or fewer, Riley Pritzlaff, speaker of the House, said.
Four zero stars from each competition weighed in on how their session experience has been so far.
Leandra Lepp (OBU) is competing in Moot Court and the House. Lepp said she enjoyed the order of Session as well as learning how it works.
“You know, I watch TV and you hear about how bills get passed, but now being in that experience, it’s pretty fun,” Lepp said. “I think everyone should learn about how bills are passed and how they can do their part to play in the legislation.”
Lepp said the U.S. has a unique governmental structure that allows for everyone to be involved in the legislative process.
“We all do have a voice but no one knows about that, and no one knows how they can exercise their voice,” Lepp said. “I think that no matter what you’re majoring in, this is a great opportunity to learn about that.”
Garret Smith (ORU), a House representative, said he enjoyed the experience.
“Some of the legislation can be really sensitive,” Smith said. “And [we] discuss that with people and we see some people get real on edge. And others are half asleep. It’s quite the experience.”
Smith said the ORU delegation practiced debating in small groups, but beyond this he does not have legislative experience. He successfully pitched a business idea at a launch competition held at ORU, which he said required public speaking and persuasive speech. Smith said this opportunity gave him the most applicable experience he may be able to utilize within the House competition.
Smith said he is most excited for the friends he will make at Session.
“Everyone in college in general is there to better themselves,” Smith said. “And even here, people come into this club with passions and desires. They want to make not only themselves better, but society better as a whole.”
Colin McPherson (OU) is a competitor in Moot Court and the Senate. He believes he will thoroughly enjoy his OIL experience.
“I’ve really appreciated all of my Senate leadership for really taking the opportunity to sit down with me and helping me in learning all of the different assets of OIL and all of the different things that I need to know in order to be prepared for this session,” McPherson said. “So far, it’s been an absolutely wonderful experience.”
Lauren Sherrer (OU), a journalist and representative, said she is excited to compete in the Press Corps competition.
“As a journalism major, it’s a really exciting opportunity to get to apply some stuff instead of just sitting in class,” Sherrer said.
Sherrer said Session has lived up to the chaos she expected it to be. Her highschool didn’t offer opportunities to write for a newspaper, so she is excited about this being one of her first opportunities to take on a journalistic challenge.