The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council took a trip to the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, March 4, to learn more about what the legislative and the billing process is, and how that reforms education. They toured the State Capitol, got to witness live protests and engaged in discussion with state representatives. A few interested students even had the opportunity to present amends or ideas for bills.
The Advisory Council is made up of four students from each Frisco Independent School District high school, one representing each grade level. With monthly meetings typically held at the Career and Technical Education Center, this experience allows students to express concerns or offer ideas to Dr. Mike Waldrip, the Frisco ISD Superintendent, that would otherwise go unheard. Students get to engage with staff members from other departments, such as the Board of Trustees or financial advisors, to discuss future district plans or offer feedback. The Superintendent’s Council travels to Austin biannually, so students who serve a four-year term can attend twice.
Amira Jeremiah, 9, was one of the 14 freshmen attending. Since this was her first year on the council, she was looking forward to developing new insights on decision making.
“I learned about how business happens at the Capitol. I didn’t know that you could just walk into a House or Senate meeting. It’s completely open … [and] you can watch them as they [discuss],” Jeremiah said.
On the other hand, Samriddhi Garlanka, 11, attended the prior trip, but loved having a second visit where she wasn’t overwhelmed by all of the new surroundings.
“I enjoyed touring the State Capitol building because we got to meet a bunch of different legislators and senators and listen to their experiences. It was really interesting listening to different perspectives on what actually happens in the State Capitol,” Garlanka said.
Some students even had the opportunity to find bills they believed weren’t as beneficial or needed remediation, a direct chance to influence the community. They also had the opportunity to campaign for a bill to be passed, although it would take years for it to pass through all of the committees responsible for deciding.
“We had months of preparation in researching a bill and finding one that interests us, and afterwards we worked with Ms. DeWolfe, the Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Engagement, to make edits to [our presentation]. We refined and practiced it then presented it to a panel of legislators, speaking about [our passion] … and why it’s important to make the changes we suggested,” Garlanka said.
The students didn’t just stay inside the government buildings, but toured parts of the city, where they got a firsthand account of people fighting for justice.
“We got to witness some live protests. People were outside the Capitol protesting, holding signs and screaming … a man was singing on a bike,” Jeremiah said. “I think it was really fun [and] authentic, and seeing the different ways people gathered to support a cause was almost inspirational.”
The protesters had been rallied around different causes, ranging from the election and taxes to mental health. It demonstrates the power to influence decisions that affect civilians, similar to how the students on the Advisory Council get to help within Frisco ISD.
“The best part about being on the council is gathering together with so many different students of totally different backgrounds, cultures and ideas, and being able to come and make a collective decision about things we want to be able to change or things we want to support in our schools,” Jeremiah said.
Seeing government authority figures in person who receive daily feedback allowed the students to view decision-making on a larger scale. While the Advisory Council may just impact the Frisco ISD, the students got real-life examples of people actively working to make the statewide community better.
“[There were] lots of big and important [legislators working], but the reason that they’re big and important is because they’re here to support and make our daily lives better,” Jeremiah said. “So, being able to have a voice and really see that play out is really amazing.”
This unique experience was greatly appreciated by Jeremiah and Garlanka, who recognize only a select few get the option to go. It provided a glimpse into politics and making a real difference in the lives of others.
“Take the opportunity to make your voice heard. No matter how small you may feel, your voice matters, so say something,” Jeremiah said.
