Home Again - Time for Reflection

I was up early this Monday morning. Missing a week of school is tough; there is quite a pile of books on my bedroom floor and multiple papers are waiting to be written. However, the Sacramento internship was definitely worth it. I walked across SBCC’s campus this morning, for the first time in 11 days, with a new sense of motivation and with a different approach to learning. Hundreds of thousands of college students are stuck in classrooms for hours every day trying to save humanity and establish a foundation for a brighter future. I have come to believe that real knowledge is obtained through experience and practice, and the Sacramento Internship Program provided us with important information we would never have been able to achieve in a classroom. This amazing opportunity has opened my eyes in many ways. Not only did we learn about California’s politics, but also how to behave and dress in a formal situation, as well as how to contact and address professionals. Networking was a vital component of the program.

During our week in Sacramento we had a pretty hectic schedule and it was a lot to take in. Now, back in Santa Barbara, we can begin to sort the information received from the different meetings. The more it sinks in, the more I realize how valuable this chance was and I hope that other students from SBCC will get the same possibility to meet with these important people next year.

Some of us (the students in the program) are from Europe, and this internship gave us a deeper understanding of how California, one of the largest economies in the world, is governed. It is knowledge we can either use here or bring back to our respective home countries in order to globalize and make politics even more effective. This was a wonderful experience that will last for a lifetime, and hopefully open new doors to other exciting academic journeys in the future.

- Anna

Home sweet home?

This has been a loooong, but rewarding week and even though it is great to be back home a part of me wishes that I could stay a little longer. Like other posts have mentioned a few of us stayed in Sacramento for two more days in order to work on Daraka Larimore-Hall's Campaign for party secretary on the democratic convention this weekend and I have just finally arrived home now. We met a lot of interesting people on the convention and found out that democrats really like their liquor. In the first few days of the week we met with a lot of influential people , all of whom have been mentioned in other posts, and it was great to meet many of them again this weekend in a bit less formal setting. This trip ended perfectly with a victory party after the election last night. Coming here has really given me the "bug", for a lack of a better term, and i'm sure everyone else who participated feel the same. Getting out of the classroom and seeing the system in action first hand has been an amazing experience and won't soon be forgotten.
I really want to thank Dr. Eskandari for this awesome opportunity and of course Julian, without whom this would not have been possible. Even though I met a bunch of powerful and exciting political figures this week the greatest people I met were all the magnificent people in the program who were all absolutely awesome and made this trip the great success that it was. Thank you all.

- Tomas Jonsson.

Group bonding

Claudia and Jacob during our lunch break

Exploring the Capitol park

Maya and Claudia!

Sacramento Remebered

As we have returned home from our incredible week in Sacramento and life is slowly going back to normal, it is hard to believe that it was only a few days ago where the capitol was our reality. The week was very intense and passed all too quickly. As such, it was a week to be experienced and only in retrospect can I truly appreciate something that so easily came to be my reality. Not only did I learn invaluable information from the most esteemed sources but I was lucky enough to witness the legislative process and gain insight I never would of gained weren't it for this program. Moreover, everyone involved truly made this trip. The very fact that we got to see Sacramento together and share this experience made it unforgettable and the lessons learned and bonds made are something I not only appreciate but cherish.

-Claudia Nizich

A few 295ers stayed for the California Democratic Convention, despite our exhaustion from such an exciting week! It was truly an amazing experience because we got see first hand the power of grassroots campaigning. Daraka Larimore-Hall was running to become the Secretary of the Democratic Party in California. We worked 12 hour days passing out fliers and informing people of why they should vote for him. Along with this, we ran into a few politicians that we had met during our internship. It was great to be able to see Senate Majority Leader, Ellen Corbett and Senate President Pro-Tem, Darrell Steinberg. The days were long, the meals were few, and we never got to sleep. However, it was such a great experience and very exciting especially since we helped him win!! <3               -Maya Gulland

My Last Words......of the Week

It's pretty weird knowing I am going back home today. After the internship was over, seven of us (Martin, Levy, Maya, Melissa, Jacob, Tomas and myself) had the opportunity to stick around for the Democratic Convention to help Daraka run for Secretary of the Democratic Party of California. Fortunately the campaign was a success and he was elected Secretary by about 300 more votes than his opponent. It was great to actually see these politicians interact and to be a part of the political process. We went to several caucuses to pass out flyers and speak with people to make sure they knew Daraka was running. We also went to each of his speeches in the caucuses to hold up signs in support of him; he is quite an electrifying speaker. Yesterday, we saw numerous famous politicians speak before everyone at the convention including, Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsom, Darrell Steinberg, Kamala Harris, and more. It's safe to say the Californian Democratic Party is strong as ever and the theme of the convention was "We're just getting started!". In a nutshell, we helped Daraka get elected, saw some truly inspiring speeches and then partied with the legislators afterward. All in all, I am so grateful to Julian and Doc for the internship and thankful to Das Williams and his staff for the added opportunity to work in Daraka's campaign. I had a blast and I learned far more than I ever could have in a classroom. And a shout out to the group, you guys are awesome! I could not have asked for a better experience with better people. It was refreshing to be so close with other students with the same interests and aspirations. You guys rock (except for at singing--Oh Snap!), good luck to each of you, see you in class.

P.S.: Go to www.thedreamisnow.org and watch the video. I can guarantee the video will make you want to get off your butt and contribute to this movement.

--Nick Blaylock

First off I just want to say I love all my fellow 295'ers. This has been some of the best days of not only my school experience but my life. The dynamic of this group was amazing and each individual brought their own unique qualities to the table to create, in my eyes, a smart, talented, high energy, fun loving, tight knit family. Not only has this trip been about learning through an educational process, but I feel as though I have matured as an individual as well. This has happened solely do to the love and support of everyone involved in this life altering journey. Even on our down time I was intellectually enriched just because of the company I was surrounded by. I have learned so much invaluable information in such a short period of time and I feel as though I have made great connections with great people that will only continue to grow and help me down the road. I know I can rely on these individuals for anything and everything, whether it be school work or life problems. It is programs and individuals like these that helps to maintain the integrity of the number one community college in the United States, SBCC. I think it really reflects the character of everyone involved that we were able to grow so close in such a short period of time. At all moments I felt completely comfortable and was able to just relax and be myself. I am glad that I met every individual, and that does not happen often, because I normally do not agree with to many other people when it comes to my ideals and beliefs. I would also like to thank the administration and staff of the college for their support of this program and allowing me to gain a brand new perspective into my own life. 2-9-5 FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Clif Wilson  

This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. There is no way I could have gained the knowledge that I now possess if I was limited to solely a classroom environment. The ability to see what happens to maintain California has not only inspired me to continue studying political science but it has also reinforced everything that I have learned throughout my journey at SBCC. I cannot thank both Dr. Eskandari and Julian enough. Due to this unique opportunity I can honestly say that I am now way more knowledgeable at what some of our top politicians, lobbyists, activists, and consultants do on a day to day basis. Not only have I learned what these groups of individuals do on a technical level, but by observing their demeanor and behaviors I have gained a perspective that would not have been accessible if it was not for this rare experience to get hands on learning. I now know what regulations these politicians, lobbyists, activists, and consultants must abide by as well as the personality qualities that can help maintain a nimble brain in a rather taxing environment.
                                                                                                            - Clif Wilson

 

Today was the last day of an incredible experience and opportunity. Our group was able to see Senate and Assembly floor sessions in addition to speaking with staffers employed by Assembly member Das Williams; and that was only the morning. We later met with President Pro Tem of the California Senate, Darrell Steinberg, who fielded questions and gave us invaluable insights during a tremendously informational conversation. We ended the day by speaking with  David Bowman, an Assistant Assembly Clerk. Mr. Bowman elaborated on the processes and duties of the Clerk's Office. This opportunity has actually led six of us to stay the weekend to work for Das Williams at the Democratic Convention in addition to opening future doors for every student who participated. I cannot thank Dr. Eskandari and Julian Nagler enough for making this idea a reality. If you are ever presented with the opportunity for something of this sort I strongly encourage you to seize it.

- Nick Blayblock

Our Last Official Meeting

Today is our earliest morning. The wind has died down and a crispness hangs in the air, making the pile of sheets and pillows that are strewn across the hotel bed even more inviting. We are meeting at 8:30 am by the "solar heated" pool of our hotel, some of us drag out of bed exhausted and disenchanted with the whole political process, while others prepare for the continuation of a series of inspirational events that will eventually define their career paths. We're heading to a Senate Floor Session to be recognized and listen to acknowledgments from senators. Long story short, this is some amazing stuff. Senate pro tem, Senator Darrell Steinberg will be meeting us afterwards for an hour so our group can continue asking questions, some light hearted, some more deeply probing, and others that border on inappropriate in any other context. Regardless of our ever-shifting political opinions and our personal pursuits as aspiring political scientists, no one can say anything about this trip other than how much they are learning. We may have lost the starry-eyed look of idealistic kids, but we may have gained the stoney composure of those prepared to work towards change. Today, it seems, is going to be a good day.

-Sam + Mattias

Governor's Office on Wednesday

The second half of Wednesday was spent in Governor Jerry Brown's office. As Governor Brown is on a trip to China this week, we were received by his Deputy Legislative Secretary, Cathy McBride. We had a very informative and insightful discussion with Mrs. McBride about the duties of the Governor's Office--the Governor and his staff, including herself--and about the Governor's legislative powers. Mrs. McBride guided us through every step of the legislative process from the introduction of a bill in the legislature to the bill being sent to the Governor's desk. She also talked to us about her responsibilities as Deputy Legislative Secretary, and about the rigorous but rewarding nature of the job.

When asked about the best parts of the job, Mrs. McBride said: "Working with smart people; doing something good and fulfilling; and working with such a wise and dedicated Governor".

Last but not least, we were given firsthand information about potential internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities, and how to go about seizing these potential positions.

Michael, Nick, and Jacob outside the Governor's Office



By Michael, Melissa, Nick, Niki, and Clif

 Heading out (4/06/13)!

 Old Town Sacramento

Group Kick Off dinner at Pizza Rock with Das Williams

Ready for day 1!

 Round table discussion with Das Williams, lobbyist Chris Walker (partner at Nossaman firm), reporter Greg Lucas, and lobbyist Jim Gross

 Posing in the Capitol before our meeting with Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett

Debrief in the Capitol's cafeteria dining room before our meeting with David Townsend, managing partner of TRBU consultants.

A Day with StudentsFirst and Mayor Kevin Johnson

Briefing at Michelle Rhee's organization StudentsFirst www.studentsfirst.org

Meeting in front of City Hall



Mayor Kevin Johnson and the ambassadors of the SBCC Program delivering our gift of an XXL sweatshirt with SBCC logo!








Mayor Johnson meeting with students and informing them about issues currently on his agenda.

Day 1 at the Capitol

Day 1 began at Nossaman Law Firm where we met with our host for the week, Assembly Member Das Williams, and two senior policy advisors, Christopher J. Walker and James C. Gross.  Each of them explained their role in shaping policy with the legislature and what their job entailed. Sacramento Bee Reporter, Greg Lucas, gave his take on what influence the media has on legislation.  

Pressed for time, we ran off to the office of Senate Majority Leader, Ellen Corbett. Our quick meeting took place in her historic office where we got an insight on how she is able to manage the responsibility of Senate Majority leader and also satisfy the demands of her constituents in the 10th Senate District of California. 

Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett

The "295" Crew in Senate Majority Leader Corbett's office before the meeting began.

Our next meeting took place in a committee hearing room in the Capitol where Political Consultant, David J. Townsend, told us what it takes to win a campaign.  Townsend shared his strategy of the three M's, Money, Message, Messenger. Without one, the others are less effective in a campaign. 

David J. Townsend, President of TRBU Consultants

Michael and Kendal acting professional in the committee hearing room.

Claudia, Erika, Nick, Allison, Yassamin, and Niki outside the capitol at the end of the day.

~Allison, Erika, &Yassamin

First Day in Sacramento: Free Day
Claudia and Maya
On our first day we explored the streets of Sacramento and got a feel for the town. Claudia and I went to Old Town and toured the River Route on the Sacramento Southern Railroad. It gave us insight into the history and background of Sacramento, in a sense, for how Sacramento sees itself; as the story of California. It was a blast and was a great start to our busy week. 

Group Photo of Sacramento Program Students at Lunch Invitation, March 7, 2013, SBCC Gourmet Dining Room

Dean, Dr. Alice Scharper, and Director of Sacramento Program, Dr. M. M. Eskandari-Qajar, flanking the students in the first row.

Noozhawk article announcing our Sacramento Program

http://www.noozhawk.com/noozhawk/article/sbcc_students_to_be_capitol_insiders_for_a_week_in_sacramento/