Columbia State Community College students Hope Bone, Samuel Childress, Marina Villasenor Cortes, Abby Roberts, Hannah Fritsch and Lake Bates recently participated in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature 54th General Assembly.

“Being a part of TISL gave me the hands-on opportunity to experience the inner workings of the legislative process,” said Hope Bone. “Learning the intricacies of writing bills and the process of moving a bill through various stages before becoming law was interesting. It is one thing to read about bills in a book but another to actually go through the entire experience as though you are an actual legislator. I think it is important for people our age to learn about the government process and not look to be leaders of tomorrow but step up and be leaders of today.”

The annual TISL General Assembly is a four-day conclave of engaged and policy-minded college students from across the state at the Historic Tennessee State Capitol in Downtown Nashville. Typically, more than 400 students attend from more than 40 colleges and universities, representing more than 95% of Tennessee college students.

“My experience at TISL was very informative to see and learn more about different school students’ perspectives on government,” said Abby Roberts. “I feel a door towards politics and government opened for me with what I learned and saw at TISL. I have already been planning for next fall, and what bill I will write for my application!”

The TISL is a forum for students to exchange ideas, express their opinions and learn how government works. TISL's Senate and House of Representatives, which first convened in 1966, meet in the legislative chambers of the State Capitol each November.

“I think that TISL has helped me gain knowledge of what it would be like if I were to go into politics someday,” said Samuel Childress. “I will use the knowledge and guidance that I have obtained from this year’s TISL event to better understand what I would need in order to successfully achieve my goals one day of becoming a part of the Tennessee House of Representatives.”

Delegates had the opportunity to learn about and simulate the roles of legislators, judges, lawyers, lobbyists and the media. They also represent the viewpoint of Tennessee college students on contemporary issues.

“TISL has expanded my perspective on what I previously thought I was capable of,” said Marina Villasenor Cortes. “I had never imagined myself participating in an event where my legislative knowledge and capabilities would be tested, and imagined even less that I would thrive in this environment as much as I did. TISL has been an incredible experience that presented me with lifelong friends, memories and experiences that I will carry with me as I continue my academic journey long after my time with Columbia State.”

Columbia State Student Government Association members in attendance included Lewisburg resident Hope Bone serving as House of Representatives; Lewisburg resident Samuel Childress serving as media; Nolensville resident Marina Villasenor Cortes serving as lobbyist; Columbia resident Abby Roberts serving as head delegate, alternate senator; Columbia resident Hannah Fritsch serving as House of Representatives; and Centerville resident Lake Bates serving as senator.

“Going to TISL helped me understand how our state government works in an up close and personal way that reading about it could never do,” said Hannah Fritsch. “I enjoyed getting to know students from other colleges as well as chatting with some of the speakers. Being homeschooled, I have never really had the opportunity to speak in front of people before, and standing up front in the House of Representatives to present bills was more fun than I anticipated! I feel more confident in presenting myself now that I have had this experience.”

Columbia State was one of 40 Tennessee colleges in attendance. All students researched and submitted bills and resolutions with various subjects.

“I have really enjoyed my TISL experience with Columbia State,” said Lake Bates. “Spending the weekend at the state capitol is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My favorite part of TISL is the ability to write and then present your own bill. I wrote four bills this year, one of which was passed and signed by the TISL governor. The bill that was signed into TISL law was a resolution to commend the Tennessee Farm Bureau for what they do for agriculture in our state. Lastly, this experience strengthened my knowledge of parliamentary procedure, and I can confidently say that Robert's Rules of Order is no joke. Overall, this gave me so much knowledge that I will use in life and I have made memories and connections that will last a lifetime.” 

For more information about the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, visit www.tislonline.org.

For more information on the Columbia State Student Government Association, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/SGA.