Photo by: Amber Smith
Junior Tyler Parette, a political science major, visited Capitol Hill when he participated in the first annual Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute in August.
The first annual Summer Policy Institute offered undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to become well-informed on issues impacting the state of Oklahoma at both the local and federal level. In addition to becoming more knowledgeable on governmental issues, the Summer Institute also prepares students for their potential political offices.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Scott LaMascus discussed what makes a successful student.
“Student success is always about engagement,” LaMascus said. “Truly digging your teeth and toenails into a subject, into a profession, into deeper matters that really prepare you to make a difference in the world. Tyler isn’t a student who needs to be prodded or coaxed.”
In addition to participating in discussions and panels, the participants also have the opportunity to work with others on an interactive group project. During meals, they have the chance to meet and hear from top political officials on issues concerning the state of Oklahoma as well as the United States.
While attending the Summer Policy Institute, Parette was a part of discussions about topics that face our government today such as jobs, healthcare, education and criminal justice. Parette found this experience to be enlightening.
“Overall, the experience really opened my eyes to certain issues facing Oklahoma,” Parette said. “It is so important that people be involved in their local and state governments.”
The event itself combines panels, workshops and discussions to gather points of view of both undergraduate and graduate students from Oklahoma universities. Admission to the program is highly competitive and Parette’s acceptance demonstrates his academic ability and competence.
“I was encouraged to apply by several of the faculty at OC as well as Don Millican, who is on the Board of Directors for OKSPI [Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute],” Parette said.
Parette has been involved not only with Oklahoma politics but also Oklahoma Christian politics. Parette serves on the Honors Advisory Council and is a member of National Political Science Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha. LaMascus said Parette does everything to the best of his ability, exemplifying a Christ-like attitude.
“Tyler jumps in with all his heart, soul, mind and strength to learn and grow,” LaMascus said. “That’s probably why he was selected; that’s certainly why I recommended him for the SPI. And it’s why he will be a great success in whatever he tries – he has the character to persevere through setbacks and the courage to face new situations. Through it all, Tyler finds a way to move forward with a Christian worldview that sees Christ as all and in all, to paraphrase from Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.”
Fellow Honor’s student and senior, Molly Durrill describes Parette.
“Tyler’s personality can only be described as a beautiful butterfly flittering from flower to flower,” Durrill said. “As any politician should do, this analogy shows Parette’s contribution to a myriad of different political issues.”
An opinion on a multitude of subjects is essential to a career in politics. One must know the subject, but also be able to analyze the problem from all angles. Parette’s roommate and fellow Honors Advisory Council member senior Chas Carter attests to Parette’s potential political career.
“Tyler has a great political mind,” Carter said. “There is nothing that he cannot analyze from either side.”
Parette understands the decisions made at the federal level impact individuals in some way, but said that decisions made elsewhere impact citizens’ daily lives even more.
“We often see federal issues on the national news networks, but it’s the decisions made at the state and local level that really effect our day-to-day lives,” said Parette.
Along with Parette, Oklahoma Christian faculty and members of the Board of Trustees were involved in the Summer Policy Institute. Oklahoma State Treasurer and Associate Professor of Business Ken Miller sat on a discussion panel. Moderating one of the panels was Oklahoma Christian Board of Trustees member Don Millican, who also serves on the board for the Oklahoma Policy Institute.
The Summer Policy Institute is set to be an annual event, with the 2014 Summer Policy Institute already accepting applications. For Parette, this was an eye-opening experience seen to help further the knowledge of issues as well as making for a great addition to his resume.
0
0
Be First to Comment