Author Archives: GCSW Legislative Interns

About GCSW Legislative Interns

This blog is brought to you courtesy of The Graduate College of Social Work's Austin Legislative Internship Program. The College selects graduate MSW students to intern at the Texas Legislature during its legislative session every two years. Student interns work as full-time staffers in the Legislature, either as policy analysts with the Legislative Study Group, a Caucus of the Texas House of Representatives, or in legislators’ offices. Here, they will share their unique experiences!

The Grey Area in Politics

Posted on June 7, 2017

By Chenelle Hammonds, intern in the University of Houston Office of Governmental Relations My time serving as an intern during the Texas 85th Legislature was extremely informative. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned during my time here is … Continue reading →

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From Anguish to Advocacy

Posted on June 1, 2017

by Andrea Elizondo, intern in the Texas Legislative Study Group I am going to be honest. It has been a few weeks since what I term the anti-immigrant sentiment bill – formally known as SB 4, “the anti-sanctuary city” bill … Continue reading →

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On the Need to Stay Humble

Posted on May 31, 2017

By Trang-Thu (Mimi) Duong, intern in the office of Representative Gene Wu The culture that exists in the Texas Capitol gives a new meaning to my understanding of cultural competency (or cultural humility). Being in this building, in a place … Continue reading →

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‘Til Next Time

Posted on May 29, 2017

By Erin Eriksen, intern in the Texas Legislative Study Group Everything seems too raw and imminent right now to have any kind of reaction to my experience in this internship that doesn’t sound desperate or overly maudlin. While our work … Continue reading →

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Don’t Let Women’s Rights Get Left Behind

Posted on May 27, 2017

by Melissa Davila, intern in the office of Representative Jessica Farrar It has been almost 140 days since the 85th Legislative Session started, but it feels like it just started yesterday. I remember the day I spoke to my family … Continue reading →

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Empowered and Relieved

Posted on May 22, 2017

by Arielle Day, intern in the Texas Legislative Study Group Empowered and relieved are the primary emotions I am experiencing as Sine Die, the last day of session, approaches. My classmates and I embarked upon this journey knowing that we … Continue reading →

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Matters of Personal Privilege

Posted on May 19, 2017

by Joel Kissell, intern in the Texas Legislative Study Group The first major hurdle towards the end of the Texas legislative session is over. At midnight, on Thursday, May 11th, any bill originating in the House of Representatives was effectively … Continue reading →

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