As I continue my journey as a legislative intern for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, I've come to appreciate something that might seem small but has proven incredibly valuable: the art of introduction.
When I first arrived at my internship, I was overwhelmed by the maze of offices, the fast-paced conversations, and the sheer number of people involved in the legislative process. Each day brought new faces — legislators, staff members, advocates, and fellow students. In this sea of interactions, I quickly learned that how I introduced myself could open doors or create barriers.
A good introduction isn't just about stating your name. It's about creating a connection in seconds. During my first week, I struggled with my introduction. Sometimes I'd ramble about my background, other times I'd be so brief that people wouldn't remember what I was representing. After observing my supervisors and more experienced advocates, I began to refine my approach.
I learned to lead with my name, my role as a student legislative intern with SBCTC, and most importantly, a brief mention of my journey as a first-generation immigrant student at South Puget Sound Community College. This personal touch helped legislators and staff members remember me and created an authentic connection.
The impact has been remarkable. It makes subsequent conversations much more productive. Rather than starting from scratch each time, we can build on previous interactions, allowing for deeper discussions about the issues affecting community college students.
I've also noticed that different settings call for different types of introductions. In formal committee hearings, brevity and clarity are key. In more casual settings, like legislative receptions or office visits, there's room to share a bit more of my story and ask about theirs.
For fellow students interested in advocacy, I cannot overstate how important this seemingly small skill can be. Your introduction is often your first opportunity to demonstrate why student voices matter in policy discussions. It sets the tone for how your perspective will be received.
