1. For my STEP Signature Project, I had the opportunity to work as a Legislative Page for the Ohio House of Representatives. For this position, I worked for the Minority Caucus, serving 32 of the 99 Representatives on daily tasks and ongoing projects. These included mailing assignments, delivering messages, working in the House Chamber during sessions, working on constituent cases, and even doing a bit of media and advertisement work.
2. Throughout my time, I was able to learn not only what goes into the law-making process, but also a little bit about the work ethic of public servants, and the importance of working not just for money, but for the public. What started as a part-time internship developed into an aspiration to work for the people, and I ended up applying for a promotion. I will continue serving at the Ohio House of Representatives as a Constituent Aide, building on the experience I learned as a Page. These experiences transformed me by making me think more about what I wanted to do in the future, helping me understand the importance of being a public servant, and showing me how to find joy in work.
3. By networking with the full-time staff, I was able to learn the various options I had for my Political Science degree once I graduate. For example, my Coworker Doug went to Law School and earned his JD. I’ve had many opportunities to discuss with him how to prepare for Law School if that’s the route I decide to take post-graduation. Alternatively, I’ve met many Legislative Aides, full-time workers who assist a specific Representative directly, who received their bachelor’s degree and began working at the Statehouse right out of college. These networking opportunities allowed me to think further about my future, and consider working as a public servant.
One of the specific tasks that contributed to my transformational experience was working directly with constituents of specific districts, either through email or over the phone. Whether I was helping them understand a Bill or Law, apply for unemployment benefits, or get them connected with their State Representative, I was able to learn the importance of public service. Many people view politics as a game, with a few elites trying to come out on top. Though this may be the case for some, many people in government aspire to better the lives of those they work for. By connecting with the citizens within a constituency, and helping address their needs, I learned the importance of working for the people.
Additionally, interacting with the other Legislative Pages helped show me that work can be fun. I often fear working in a cubicle all day, sitting and staring at a computer, and losing passion for my job. My friends in the program, however, showed me how much teamwork goes into government work, and how having a solid team can be the difference between whether or not you are passionate about what you do. If it weren’t for my friend Iman, in particular, I would have never considered applying for a promotion or staying at the Statehouse over the summer, for that matter.
4. These changes are especially relevant to my life and my educational experience. I’ve spent my entire college career as a Political Science major fearful that I would not be able to find work. On so many occasions, people would ask me why I was getting a “pointless degree.” Working as a Legislative Page showed me how applicable my degree can be, and how I can directly apply what I was learning about policy and government in the classroom to a real work environment. I am thankful for all of the skills I developed as a legislative Page and all that I learned about public service as a profession.
