By Jonathan Resendez/south news editor

TCC students had the chance to see how state government works and talk to the representatives behind it.

Students and faculty from all four TCC campuses traveled to the Texas Capitol in Austin for Texas Community College Student Day Feb. 4.

Students visited with state legislators, viewed the lawmaking process and voiced their opinions on issues such as the increasing price of tuition.

NW student Nikki Pagdanganan said he learned several things about how the system works and received insight from one of the representatives about the work involved.

He said the story of Mark Shelton, a state representative from Arlington, about transitioning from a doctor to a politician showed him that anyone can do it provided they work hard.

“Politicians are real people. No different than you and I,” he said.

“We learned about the respect they have for each other because they know the work that it takes to get there.”

Shelton said he enjoyed talking to TCC students and having them see what happens in Austin.

“With 70 percent of students coming through them, community colleges are vital,” he said. “I was pleased to see the enthusiasm and participation of the students.”

Dr. Bill Lace, executive assistant to the chancellor and coordinator of the trip, said the attentive representatives created a positive experience for students.

“They always hear from the administration,” he said. 

“They were glad to hear from the students themselves for a change.”

South Campus student Ketara Moses said the process was laid-back and not as intense as she had imagined.

She said speaking with Wendy Davis, a state senator who went to NE Campus and overcame her own struggles before eventually earning a law degree from Harvard, gave her inspiration.

Along with insight into the legislative process, students also had a chance to experience the camaraderie of students and faculty from other campuses.

“Getting to know people from different campuses after being thrown together to discuss ideas on how to make a difference was remarkable,” said NE Campus student Amy Womelsdorff.

Rep. Chris Turner helped pass a resolution specifically honoring the TCC students that attended. The resolution was Turner’s first since he took office last month.