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by David Courreges
Luminaries such as the late U.S. Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez and the multitude of men and women serving in local, state and national government today represent St. Mary's longstanding tradition of preparing and inspiring leaders. With a nod to this proud legacy and to the University's strategic plan, Vision 2012, the Frank Madla Jr. and Irma Rangel Legislative Internship Program was created. Named for two St. Mary's alumni whose service in the Texas Legislature made a huge impact on San Antonio and South Texas, the internship program allows current students to follow in the footsteps of legends, challenging them to truly make a difference within themselves and their communities.
For eight St. Mary's students, the internship program is an occasion to distinguish themselves while having the time of their lives. But it's not easy. Admission requirements and expectations are set purposely high, and selected students must commit to working in Austin at least 40 hours a week, while completing six credit hours of coursework. If they succeed, they'll earn 12 hours of academic credit toward their degrees. Total immersion, supplemented by instruction and mentorship in the stimulating setting of the State Capitol, sets the St. Mary's program apart. Our interns receive weekly on-site classroom instruction that introduces them to the inner-workings of the Texas House and Senate, and the concepts they study are implemented in their day-to-day tasks. During the program, students become familiar with the Texas Constitution and the Rules of the House and Senate while learning how to research and draft legislation, analyze policy, and interact with constituents, the press, and fellow legislative staffers.
The program is quickly gaining popularity within the Capitol community. Soon after announcing the intern program, a waiting list had formed. From all indications, our interns have not disappointed.
Legislators' expectations surpassed by interns
"As a St. Mary's graduate I'm proud of the tradition of public service that is instilled in our graduates," said Sen. Carlos Uresti (B.A. '85, J.D. '92). "The Frank Madla Jr. and Irma Rangel Legislative Internship Program is an outstanding opportunity for students to continue our University's legacy. My intern has set a very high bar which I have come to expect from all St. Mary's students."
Our students quickly learn that the duties of a "legislative intern" are far more comprehensive than what's expected of others. According to Rob Borja, Chief of Staff to Rep. David Leibowitz (J.D. '82), legislative interns typically serve thankless jobs, where expectations may be high and unforgiving for those unaccustomed to an unpredictable and exceedingly fastpaced work environment.
But it's the fast-paced nature of the legislature and the teamwork required to meet immediate demands that Andrea Chavez, a sophomore from El Paso who works with Borja, says she likes best about working in a legislative office. She is often called upon to help complete projects vital to ensuring that Rep. Leibowitz's constituents have a voice. Borja says Chavez has met the challenges and exceeded his expectations. "Andrea has become an invaluable member of the staff, and she truly outshines many of her peers. She has a genuine concern for serving the public."
Twins Mark and Matthew Reyna, juniors from San Antonio, have acclimated to the frenzied atmosphere at the Capitol. Mark, the "oldest," seems to have found his calling. In fact, he has become so adept in office operations, it's hard to call him an intern. Working on the staff of Sen. Uresti, Mark eagerly meets the new challenges that each day invariably brings. Whether discussing responsibilities entrusted to him, or describing routine tasks such as filing a bill or maintaining the Senator's daily schedule, Mark beams with pride knowing he is serving the people of Uresti's district.
Matt Reyna shows equal enthusiasm for his position as the assistant clerk for the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security, a job wrought with responsibility. On any given Wednesday, Matt can be found stationed at the front of the committee room, collecting witness affirmation forms and closely monitoring the activities of the Committee.
Experience unlocks and directs interns' futures
"Working in the Capitol has been an awesome experience," Matt said. "This internship gives me an idea of what I need to do and how hard I need to work to fulfill my goals. I'll go back to St. Mary's with new skills for success, and I can't wait to see how well they work."
Like his brother, Matt quickly earned the respect and admiration of his co-workers. Christy Gonzalez, a committee senior policy analyst, is highly complimentary of Matt. "Having an intern from the program has been a wonderful experience for our office," she said. "Not only have we had the opportunity to mentor an eager learner in Matt, but he has provided much needed support and assistance throughout the session."
Sherita Simmons, of Bartow, Calif., is one of the three graduate interns pursuing a master's in Public Administration. On staff of Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Sherita says her favorite part of working at the Capitol is the opportunity to play a role in shaping Texas history. With the desire to attend St. Mary's law school and eventually becoming a municipal administrator, Sherita came to Austin to gain first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and develop a better understanding of what the Legislature can do to help solve local issues.
As part of the intern program, students write a piece of legislation which they will use in various classroom activities. The exercise teaches research and drafting techniques that can only be learned through hands-on application. Sherita's legislation—to afford eligible Texas high school students the opportunity to vote in elections by requiring schools to give an excused absence for that purpose—was filed by Sen. Van de Putte on March 5. Senate Bill 1400 will be watched closely as it makes its way through the legislative process, providing a learning experience for all.
Gaining insight into democracy
Graduate students Saad Aldosari and Ayed Ahbabi bring a unique perspective to the intern program. Natives of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, respectively, the duo decided to take on the challenge of working with the Texas Legislature to gain insight into the concept of democracy and the operations of the American legislative process. Saad (who has an extensive background working with the Saudi government) and Ayed hope the experience will allow them to return home to serve the citizens of their countries either in the public or private sector.
To help Aldosari and Ahbabi learn as much about the legislative process as possible, they were placed with freshman Representatives Tara Rios Ybarra of South Padre Island and Roland Gutierrez (J.D. '98) of San Antonio, respectively. Typically there is a significant learning curve for freshman members of the House. But concepts taken for granted or simply overlooked by senior members are often given special attention by freshman legislators. With only 140 days to prove oneself to one's constituents, both the legislators and their staffs adapt quickly to the steps and customs that are necessary to run a successful legislative office.
As teammates on St. Mary's women's soccer team, San Antonio senior Sarah Linares and El Paso sophomore Carolina Hernandez developed a close bond that, today, is beneficial in unexpected ways. Working side-by-side in the Office of Rep. Joaquín Castro, Carolina and Sarah's pairing was quite a surprise, but has helped them adapt to the often unpredictable nature of the Capitol.
"Though a bit overwhelming at times, my internship has been a great learning experience," Carolina said. "I've learned more in such a short time than I ever could have imagined. Every day presents its own new challenges."
Rep. Castro's recent appointment as Vice Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee has allowed both women to learn about many of the policies that affect them as college students. When the committee meets, you will see them sitting in the front row taking in everything as it unfolds.
Sarah says her internship is like "taking a field trip to a historic location you only read about in school that now you actually participate in. I believe this experience will give me the necessary tools to successfully continue along my academic and professional path," she said.
It's a sentiment shared by her teammate. "Working at the Capitol has been like being a part of history," Carolina said. "I gravitated toward the political sphere's capacity to affect social change when choosing my major, and I've witnessed efforts toward such change here at the Capitol. I'm glad I took a chance and didn't let a grand learning opportunity slip through my hands."
David C. Courreges is an attorney at the Austin law firm of De Leon & Washburn, P.C. where he practices in the areas of administrative law, and legislative and governmental affairs. David earned his J.D. and M.P.A. from St. Mary's in 2005 and is currently serving the University as a legislative affairs consultant and an adjunct professor. The on-campus coordinator of the Frank Madla Jr. and Irma Rangel Legislative Internship Program is Political Science Professor Arturo Vega, Ph.D. (B.A. '81, M.A. '83).
Editor's note: The Honorable Frank Madla Jr. (1937-2006) and the Honorable Irma Rangel (1931-2003) gave Texas nearly 60 years of dedicated public service. Both graduates of St. Mary's, Madla (B.A. '59, M.A. '64) and Rangel (J.D. '69), served in the Texas House of Representatives for 20 and 26 years, respectively, with Rangel becoming the first Mexican American female elected to the Texas Legislature in 1976. Madla also spent 13 years in the Texas Senate.
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