UTA students connect with lawmakers in Austin
For University of Texas at Arlington senior Valerie Contreras, UTA Day at the Capitol on Thursday provided insight into the legislative process and ideas and knowledge she can bring back to support her own community.
UTA Day at the Capitol occurs every two years and aligns with the Texas legislative session. It allows college students to travel to Austin to learn about the legislative process, meet elected officials and share their experiences at UT Arlington.
“We spent time visiting elected officials in their offices and speaking to their staff,” said Contreras, a nursing major. “It surprised me how welcoming and generous they were with their time. I knew we had to respect everyone’s time because each legislative session is always busy. However, we were invited to sit down and discuss UTA whenever we introduced ourselves.”
Contreras, a Houston native, said meeting elected officials and their staff allowed her to share how UTA supports students and how she has benefited from its student-focused initiatives that receive state funding. Contreras volunteers on campus as a tutor and emphasized the importance of continuing programs that promote student success.
“I wanted them to know how UTA has directly impacted me and other students with financial aid, programs and facilities made possible through the state’s support,” Contreras said.
Jarrad Poland, an industrial engineering junior, said being at the Capitol was a “humbling” experience.
“It was an experience I will not soon forget, and most likely remember the rest of my life,” Poland said. “This is not because of its novelty but because of the ability I was afforded to make a difference in a community that has been so impactful to my life.”
V Lake, a junior criminology and criminal justice major, said listening to representatives provided encouragement to pursue a career in public policy.
“This experience reassured me that I am going into the right profession,” Lake said.
After graduation, Lake is weighing either attending law school, enrolling in a dual-PhD program or earning a master's degree in social work.
Contreras encourages other UTA students to take advantage of initiatives like UTA Day at the Capitol, which offer opportunities to interact with state leaders in ways not typically available to the public.
“I now understand better how I can be more informed and involved,” she said, “especially as I prepare to graduate and enter the workforce.”
