Building a skyscraper
By Luis Moreno '08

O

 
ne day while in class, Dr. Germaine Walsh, TLU associate professor of political science and sociology, approached me and told me I should apply for the Senator Gregory Luna Legislative Scholar and Fellows Program. At first I was a little hesitant. If I was accepted into the program it would put me a semester behind – and I was determined to graduate on time. I must admit that I was also a little afraid to leave my comfort zone.

But after reviewing the application I talked to Dr. Walsh, and she said, “If you get selected to the program, you will learn more there in five months than what we can teach you in four years.” She was right!

The way I see the legislative process, or any career, is that it’s like building a skyscraper. At TLU the professors and the textbooks lay out the foundation. The foundation is strong but there is still so much more to the amazing structure. My skyscraper is far from being complete. I have learned many things but there is still so much more to learn. I am very lucky to attend a university that prepares undergraduates academically, spiritually, and socially, because these are the things that got me selected for the program and which have contributed to my success as a legislative assistant.

The Senator Gregory Luna Scholars and Fellows Program provides undergraduate and graduate students the unique opportunity to gain experience and develop leadership experience as full-time legislative assistants in the Texas Senate during legislative sessions.

I work for State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. As a staff person I get to perform a variety of legislative tasks, including drafting proposed legislation and writing floor statements, attending hearings, meeting with constituents, etc. Sen. Hinojosa sits on five committees: Finance, Criminal Justice, Jurisprudence, Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Coastal Resources. I have been assigned to help staff the Finance Committee as well as assist with the Natural Resources Committee and the Subcommittee on Agriculture. In addition, I am tasked with tracking and providing recommendations to the senator regarding legislation that is voted out of the Senate Government Organization Committee and the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

The Texas Legislature meets for Regular Session every other year. Regular Session lasts 140 days. Of course there are times when I am completely overwhelmed, but that’s the nature of the beast. I had to quickly learn what issues were most important, as well as understand the importance of time management. I work for a great senator with an amazing staff. We work well as a team and help each other to stay on top of our game.

Working for the legislature is great. Knowing that we go to work every day to fight for the people who can’t fight for themselves is definitely the force that inspires me to do what we do. My drive comes from knowing that the decisions we make affect every citizen of the state so we have to stay focused, keep an open mind, and make decisions wisely.

We are currently working an average of 60-plus hours a week. I am amazed with how quickly time goes by. It is not uncommon for the staff to meet on Sundays to go over the calendar and focus on the issues we want to tackle during the week. Pretty soon we will be meeting seven days a week. At the same time, I am still working at Commercial Metals Company in Seguin on weekends. I like to spend the little time I have left with my girlfriend, Adriana, family and friends.

Since session started I have had less than five days off, none of them back to back. When I get a day off at CMC it is usually because I have to do something at the capitol. For those who know me, this should be no surprise.

I, now, have three semesters left at TLU, and I am looking into several things post graduation. I would like to continue furthering my education by going to grad school. In addition, I have been asked to work the 81st Legislative Session in 2009.

I cannot predict the future but I know that I will continue to work hard, keep an open mind, and continue to learn the legislative process. My discipline and structure will take me far when I have to stand up and fight for what I believe is right. Many people have asked if I plan to run for office, and all I can say is “Only time will tell.” I will run when the people call on me to run. I will run when it is time for a new voice, with an open mind, and a willingness to make a positive difference. ♦

Luis Moreno, a junior at TLU majoring in political science, is from Seguin. He is very involved in many organizations on campus, as well as politics on the local, state, and national level. Moreno is one of 16 Texans named to the 2007 Class of the Senator Gregory Luna Scholars Program.