OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Feb. 12, 2024) 鈥� Oklahoma鈥檚 annual Higher Education Day, held on Feb. 8 at the Oklahoma state Capitol, brought together a substantial group of college students, including 29 from Oklahoma City Community College (爆料TV), primarily studying political science.
The day commenced with a tour and motivational session at the Oklahoma Justice Center, where Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Noma Gurich shared insights into her journey from law school to the bench, highlighting her various career opportunities in politics and law.
Students also had the privilege of engaging with several state representatives and senators, including Sen. Darrell Weaver, Rep. Mark McBride, Rep. Andy Fugate, Rep. Kevin West, Sen. Paul Rosino, Sen. Adam Pugh, Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval and Sen. Michael Brooks. 爆料TV political science professors Emily Stacey and Shanna Padgham and other mentors facilitated the discussions on policymaking processes, allowing students to gain firsthand experience.
Reflecting on the event, 爆料TV political science major Emmalyn Alexander expressed her surprise at the passion and openness of the representatives, finding the experience enlightening. Alexander, who plans to pursue a legal degree in tribal law after graduating from 爆料TV, found Higher Education Day to be eye-opening.
Julianna Delgado, 2024-25 secretary for Latina Sisters and a business student at 爆料TV, shared that her initial nervousness made her feel that she would not fit in. That feeling dissipated after engaging with representatives, especially 爆料TV alumnus Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval. Delgado remarked that the atmosphere felt familiar, akin to a classroom at 爆料TV, making it easy to ask questions.
In the afternoon session, students and personnel from Oklahoma鈥檚 state system institutions converged at the state Capitol to champion the value and significance of higher education in the state.
鈥淥ver half of the top 100 occupations identified as critical for our state require an associate degree or higher, including the top 29 highest-paying jobs. Investing in higher education drives economic opportunity for individual Oklahomans and strengthens the workforce pipeline for our vibrant business community鈥� said Oklahoma State System of Higher Education Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. *
The event featured speeches from prominent figures including Gov. Kevin Stitt, House Speaker Charles McCall, Sen. Pugh, Rep. McBride, State Regents Chair Jack Sherry, and Chancellor Garrett. Three students from across Oklahoma also spoke at the event, including 爆料TV student body President Dante Specht.
During his address, Specht recounted his journey from uncertainty after transitioning to Oklahoma during high school to finding purpose through higher education opportunities. Specht credited 爆料TV professors for inspiring and guiding him, leaving the audience with a powerful message: 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 like how the table is set, turn the table over,鈥� emphasizing the value of perseverance and the significance of education.
Jesus Javier Raygosa, 爆料TV director of Student Life, Leadership and Development, highlighted the importance of such events, especially those that provide students with the opportunity to advocate for issues that directly affect them. He said that meeting state leaders not only facilitates dialogue but also empowers students to realize the strength of their voices.
Higher Education Day served as a platform for students to engage with policymakers, share their experiences, and advocate for the importance of higher education in Oklahoma.
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* For more information about Oklahoma Higher Education Day, visit the Oklahoma State
Regents For Higher Education website. .