By Alyssa Sperrazza
You’ll recognize her immediately by her curly, long brown hair. A picture of productivity, she wears a dark blue suit, heels and makeup meticulously done, while discussing whatever bill is being debated. Rachel Seldenrust, a delegate from Oral Roberts University (ORU), has a unique perspective on the law: she gets to see both sides of it.
Seldenrust is a delegate participating in both the House of Representatives and Moot Court.
“I love the combination of them,” Seldenrust explained. “I’ve always learned it as the legislature always writes the laws and the judicial interprets those. And so it’s great to see both sides of the laws that are actually passing, I always think about ‘how would I interpret those’ and vice versa.”
These past few days have been full of bills, amendments, court deliberation and Seldenrust has been apart of all of it.
I often would find her caucusing in the House or pacing the floor outside of the courtroom, readying her argument about to be presented to the Supreme Court justices.
Having met her the very first night of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL) she personified a woman who was here to work. A kind smile is usually on her face, especially if you ask her about debating.
“I like the clarity of the law and the debate!!” Her face lights up, just talking about the idea of a good debate. Good thing she’s in Moot Court.
Moot Court this year has been arguing The United States of America v. Ace. This case discusses if Guantanamo Bay detainees deserve the right to habeas corpus. For all of you who don’t know the exact definition of this term often found on Law & Order, habeas corpus refers to a person’s right to claim unlawful imprisonment before a court of law. Seldenrust is tackling this case head-on.
“The case is very interesting. It’s about the right to jury and terrorism so its very pertinent to today’s situation.”
Seldenrust paced the 2nd floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol, going over her notes before presenting her argument.
I noticed over the past few days the love she has for the law. I couldn’t help but ask why she would choose a career in politics and law. There are far less stressful jobs and ones she’d be equally qualified for.
“Originally I had no interest in law, in debate or anything,” Seldenrust said. “My parents would always send me to do debate and then I traveled as staff with an organization that taught about the principles of government and also talked about the principles of liberty so working with that just made me have so much interest into how does our government actually work and how does the legislative, executive and judicial actually help push forward laws that help the citizens rather than harms them.”
When she’s not in Moot Court, she’s sitting on the far left row in the House of Representatives. She didn’t come empty handed to the House, bringing two bills with her.
“I wrote a couple. One of them is about assisted suicide and the other one is about income tax.”
Both bills – “Assisted End of Life Act” of 2015 and “The Income and Sales Tax Reform Act” of 2015 – are the product of lots of research. Alongside statistics and facts, Seldenrust said the personal testimonies are what got to her the most.
“I’m always affected most by the stories people have and so the assisted suicide is definitely based on the stories they had and just the necessity that needs to occur,” explained Seldenrust.
Her compassion and want to help people is driving her into a future of public service. I asked her if she has considered running for office. She responded with a giggle.
“I have a couple of friends that ran at the age of 21 and are both representatives in their 2nd term now and so they definitely inspired me to want to run but besides the legislative branch I am not interested in executive or judicial,” Seldenrust responded.
Who knows, you may find her the Oklahoma House of Representatives in the upcoming years.
Getting to sit down with Seldenrust, her passion was evident. When someone is passionate and cares about something, you immediately want to know why. The way she lights up when she talks lawmaking and law policy is equivalent to a little kid talking about their Christmas.
Her persona made me think of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson saying, “Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
Rachel Seldenrust is most certainly a woman whose enthusiasm, passion, intelligence and character will drive this state towards change for the better. I, personally, cannot wait to see what that will be.