Clubs are an active part of college life, and odds are a student will get involved with one seriously. Brendon Martin, an Oral Roberts political science major, has been dedicated to OIL for six sessions. Martin is the Chief Clerk of the 52nd session and is the leader of OIL at ORU. ORU has a club rush at the beginning of the fall semester, and Martin remembers when he got recruited.
“It sounded like a group that was related to government, and law school was what I was thinking at the time.” Martin described.
Martin has been a delegate since his junior year and enjoys the responsibility of Chief Clerk. As Chief Clerk, Martin is in charge of the roll call each time session starts. Each amendment, whether friendly or hostile, is evaluated by the clerks. Martin and two assistants sort through all the new amendments and add them to the OIL bill document.
“We go over short title, read any amendments that are submitted, and keep the website updated so people can access a bill,” Martin explained.
Martin and his staff closely analyze the amendments. The OIL website is where someone can access the edited bills. Aside from Chief Clerk’s duties, Martin believes that OIL is a fantastic way to develop professionally. An individual can find common ground with another on a bill or respectfully disagree. Also, OIL offers an opportunity for an individual to pursue a possible career.
“It applies whatever you do, for the government it is to be elected in office, or if you want to do non-profit work,” Martin stated.
Martin believes the skills one can learn from OIL can transfer over to the professional workplace. Martin is currently in his last semester of college and will give his retirement speech at the closing session on Sunday. Martin plans to pursue law school at the University of Virginia after graduation.
Caroline Upthegrove (ORU) Reporting: 11/12/2020