Pictured from left to right: (Back row) Matthew Weiss, senator; Kora Burrell, lobbyist; Cala Camberlin, representative. (Front row) Jerry Johnson, senator; Brandi Burch, representative; Sondra Combs, lobbyist; Kevin Houk, media; Bruceann Owen, media/reporter.
Cleveland State Community College had several members of its student senate participate in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) in Nashville.
TISL is a forum for the top echelon of campus leaders and political science students to exchange ideas and express their opinions on state, federal, and local issues. TISL’s General Assembly, which first convened in 1966, meets in the legislative chambers of the state capitol each November.
Cala Chamberlin said, “TISL was an amazing experience.
You really get to see how our government works, while participating and experiencing how it feels to be a representative, as well. There were a lot of really interesting bills, as well as many very controversial ones. I definitely will remember that experience for years to come.”
“TISL was more than just a school trip for us," said Kevin Houk, student senate president. Our group bonded together as we networked with some of the brightest minds our state’s schools have to offer. We were exposed to a slight taste of the world that is to come after we complete our first years of school at a community college.”
Dr. Michael Stokes, vice president of Student Services, said, “We’re excited for the opportunity that these students had to go and participate in TISL. The students who have gone in previous years have always enjoyed a great learning experience and have represented Cleveland State well; this year’s group is no exception.”
Bruceann Owen, student senate senator-at-large, said, “I really enjoyed TISL. It helped give me hands-on experience in the world of broadcast journalism and reporting, and I was actually offered an internship opportunity because of TISL.”