While I will be leaving my position as the legislative intern after today, I wanted to reflect back on my experience, the wins, and what we still have work left to do. I will also talk about what I wish going into a position like this one.
Words cannot describe these last couple of months of being a legislative intern. It was super exciting and eye-opening, and every day I was working, I felt like I was a part of something bigger and impactful. From watching our students telling their stories about their higher education experience to elected officials to meeting with other higher education stakeholders on canceling student loan debt to even attending the higher education student rally at the capital, where I witnessed student leaders from across the state share their stories. This internship has been so impactful not just on an educational level but on a personal level helping progress issues impacting our students.
But if I had to pick a favorite moment, it would be the advocacy meetings between our students and their lawmakers. Doing the training and teaching students to use their stories in advocacy to sway decision-makers and then seeing that happen was rewarding. From seeing our students talk to the Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, Senator Nick Frentz, to even Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, each group was courageous, professional, AND impactful. I was so proud to witness and experience the impact our students made and will continue to make.
With all the successes and impactful moments, there are still things I wish I knew going into this position and even this type of work (that being advocacy/lobbying). If I were to do this position again, I wish I knew how important stories are in advocacy. Our students were able to share their stories, but I wish we had made more efforts to spread those stories to our campus lawmakers and the entire legislature. I also wish I knew just how important coalitions are and the impact they can make. Students United has been working with multiple different schools and organizations from across the country on canceling student debt and other higher education issues on a federal level. Being able to hear what other schools/organizations are doing on a higher education advocacy level was eye-opening, and I wish I did more of that. Lastly, I think you don’t absolutely need to have legislative “passion,” to be successful in this position, meaning you don’t need to care about State Government or the Federal Government. While it helps, I think what should really intrigue, guide, and motivate you is helping those around you become successful in their educational background. Their success is your success.
While the Legislative intern position will continue next year, I can’t wait to see what the next intern does to build upon the work done this year (and in the past). I encourage any student interested in getting involved to apply for this position.