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Virginia Capitol Semester: Life-long Connections and Legislative Experience
Virginia Capitol Semester: Life-long Connections and Legislative Experience
By Rosemarie O’Connor
In 46 days three Virginia Commonwealth University Seniors have gained experience that will last them a lifetime.
Jesiaah Hoskins, Feven Negussie and Jacob Parcell spent the winter at the Capitol writing speeches, researching bills and meeting with constituents.
These are just three of 25 VCU students enrolled in the Virginia Capitol Semester Program this semester.
“I would recommend the program to anyone,” said Parcell, who is an Anthropology major with a minor in business. “It’s an eye-opening experience on how government works, how laws are made and how that translates to your life.”
Virginia Capitol Semester is a six-credit course. Students also carry an academic load of another six to nine additional credits. Students from all majors can apply. Lawmakers ask the program for interns each fall and students serve the General Assembly in the spring.
Students attend a weekly three-hour seminar Wednesday nights in the General Assembly Building. Guest speakers include lawmakers, lobbyists and state policymakers who share their expertise and knowledge.
Parcell had the opportunity to work with Speaker of the House Kirk Cox this semester.
He said he was a little apprehensive at the beginning of the program, not coming from a political science background. However, he quickly overcame his nerves and fit right into the team.
“Just watching the Speaker talk with people and seeing the time he takes to analyze every issue has me helped with my own leadership skills.”
When Parcell graduates in December he plans to pursue an MBA or MHA program in health care administration. He thinks this is the best way to impact changes in policy and help others.
Jesiaah Hoskins learned about the program from Keith Westbrook who struck up a conversation with Hoskins while he was working. Hoskins is completing a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology, along with working 20-30 hours a week at CVS.
Westbrook is a legislative assistant for Del. Delores McQuinn D-Richmond. She has served in the General Assembly for 10 years and is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.
“She’s been a great mentor to me,” Hoskins said.
Hoskins said McQuinn is passionate about uplifting African Americans and really cares about her constituents. “She tells us we need to focus on our goals and be patient,” he said, “because it’s not going to happen overnight.”
Hoskins will graduate this spring and plans to take a gap year and visit his uncle in Nashville while he studies for the GRE and applies to graduate school.
“I’m usually quiet.” Negussie said, “but this internship gave me the opportunity to step out of my shell in a comfortable environment.”
Negussie works at a hotel in Downtown Richmond and is completing a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security with a minor in Spanish. She is also president of the Eritrean Student Association and a member of VCU Globe living-learning community.
This semester she worked with Del. John Bell D-Loudoun. “He’s here for the right reasons,” she said. “He takes the time to talk to us and breaks down each bill.”
She said the most rewarding part of the internship was seeing a speech she had drafted read in committee.
“This role is a big responsibility,” Negussie said, “but there is always someone there to support you.”
When the session ends next week, Negussie has only one plan - “sleep!”
For more details about Virginia Capitol Semester, view the informational webinar, or contact Ashley Harrison at wsintership@vcu.edu