(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The 86th Texas legislative session has begun and two Texas State Technical College students serving as interns for local state representatives will get a first-hand look into the legislative process.
“These students are about to embark on an experience that will change their lives,” said TSTC Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs Javier Deleon. “This is a great stepping stone toward any career path they choose.”
TSTC student leaders Iris Juarez and Jennie Remington will intern for State Representatives Armando Martinez and Oscar Longoria, respectively.
This is the second year that TSTC partners with local representatives to provide this type of opportunity for its students.
Both women will serve as interns with the state representatives for five months and have the chance to work in a professional office setting, communicate with constituents and attend networking events.
“In the past, we have had great responses from the legislators and their staff,” said Deleon. “Our interns are a value to their offices, help wherever help is needed and represent TSTC, their respective office and the state representative in the best light.”
This is a great way to showcase our college and what our students are made of,” added Deleon.
Juarez, who recently earned her associate degree in Business Management Technology and is completing her Academic Core, said this opportunity came at just the right time.
The San Benito native took the lead with TSTC’s voter registration initiative this last midterm election, is a student orientation leader with TSTC’s New Student Orientation Office and serves on TSTC’s Leadership Academy and Service Squad.
“I was actually looking for an additional position where I could grow my skills,” said Juarez. “So when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t pass on it. I’m confident and ready.”
The 21-year-old also said she hopes to be a great asset to Martinez’s team. She is looking forward to taking what she has learned at TSTC in her program and through her leadership roles and applying it to her position.
“I’ve gained the confidence I need here at TSTC to excel in this internship,” said Juarez. “And I plan on learning a lot and embracing this new experience.”
Remington is also a student leader on and off campus, serving as lead for TSTC’s Leadership Academy, as a volunteer for TSTC Student Life and Engagement, as a youth leader with her church and as a volunteer with the Harlingen Community Theater.
“Never did I imagine I would be given this type of opportunity,” said the 28-year-old. “And I’m excited about working with Longoria and his team and the growth a position like this can bring.”
The Harlingen native is pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training at TSTC and hopes to pursue a career in early education.
She said this internship will give her a glimpse into policies that affect the community and education, so she is looking forward to shadowing professionals and networking with those who will help her grow as a person and future educator.
“I hope to represent TSTC well, help in the best way I can and learn a lot,” said Remington. “And I know this will help me be better informed and build new relationships. And knowing how much my mentors believe in me, helps me believe that I will be successful during this internship.”
Those mentors are TSTC Student Life Director Adele Clinton and Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino.
“When it comes to opportunities like this we are always looking for committed student leaders who are articulate, organized and comfortable with taking initiative and making decisions,” said Palomino. “And these two women were a perfect fit. They will bring great attitudes, organizational and leadership skills and will show that TSTC students can not only thrive in industry, but also in a professional environment with public servants.”
Palomino added that co-curricular experiences like these internships will ensure that TSTC not only trains students in their vocation, but also gives students the opportunity to network and learn more about themselves and the community.
Deleon said he has no doubt that Juarez and Remington will succeed and he hopes to give other students the chance at serving as interns or student ambassadors with other local lawmakers in the future.
