My Experience as a Senator
By Marcus Smallegan, Staff Writer
6/26/2006
My experience at Boys’ State has been nothing but positive. I have been able to grow as an individual and a potential future politician. My election into the Senate was an amazing feeling since my goal is to become a national Senator. Being chosen as the Senate Minority Leader and being tossed into a leadership position was perhaps one of the best things that could have happened- it forced me to become organized and to keep on my feet.
There wasn’t a thing that went on in the Senate that I didn’t know about - it was all in my cool little blue notebook. I cannot say that I have a lot of knowledge about the House of Representatives or the Cabinet’s experience, but I can say that being a member of the legislative body of Boys’ State is, perhaps, one of the best positions in the program- it gives you the ability to deal with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches all at once. Every time the House passes a bill to the Senate, the senators need to consider several things- what are the legal implications of this bill? Could this bill be considered unconstitutional? Is there a chance that this bill could come into conflict with the Governor’s Budget? Will it defeat other, more important bills?
The experience has been hectic and somewhat busy 24 hours a day. I have dreamed about Parliamentary Procedure lately, but this has opened my mind to opportunities that it never was aware of. I now know what a “Quorum Call” is, I now can say I understand the process of how a bill becomes a law, I now can say I understand the place of state government in the grand scheme of things, and I now can say that I have worked hands on with the government process- it is absolutely fascinating. The Senate, while small in number of Senators, is one of the most active bodies in the state. I know that both the Lieutenant Governor and I had at least three bills that needed to be considered in our blue books at every minute of the day. I needed to get permission from my counselor to stay up past lights out to finish up some legislation. The Senate was constantly working to improve its understanding of government and it has done so.
Though I may not be going to Boys Nation, though I may not become a Senator someday, I can say that the experience I have gained as a Senator here at Boys State has been one of the best experiences I could ask for- it has expanded my mind to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Being the Minority Leader has allowed me to see the behind-the-scenes work of the Senate and government. I for one come away from Boys’ State’s Senate Chambers a better person, one better prepared for my road ahead. Thanks to everyone for a great week, good luck with your future careers and aspirations, and have an amazing time being the leaders you all are!