TRC students visit Jefferson City as part of program

A group of Three Rivers College students had an opportunity to visit Jefferson City and elected officials in a behind-the-scenes view of the legislative process.

Hosted by Senator Doug Libla of Poplar Bluff and his staff, the Student Leadership Academy group was able to tour the Capitol, visit the Whispering Room and were introduced on the House and Senate floors.

Led by Dr. Mairead Ryan-Anderson, TRC students Destiny Cagle, Shelby Hammond, Rebekah Hill, Vance Vela, Leighton Moore and Leah Gimbel meet Representatives Jeff Shawan, Hardy Billington, Herman Morse and Kathy Swan. Also accompanying the students were TRC President Dr. Wesley Payne, Dr. Maribeth Payne, Jack Armor and Chris Adams.

“Jeff Shawan went into detail about what they do at the Capitol and told us it might be a slow moving process, but they are working on the issues,” Hammond said.

With busy schedules, students said they were able to meet with leaders who were not in meetings, but District 147 Rep. Kathy Swan of Cape Girardeau went above and beyond to speak with the group.

According to Director of Enrollment Services and Student Enrollment Chris Adams, Swan was in a meeting, but left to visit with the students.

In addition to learning how the representatives impact their areas, students were also given the chance to provide suggestions.

Senator Doug Libla and his staff hosted the Three Rivers College Student Leadership Academy during a trip to the Capitol in Jefferson City. From left Libla, Leah Gimbel, Vance Vela, Rebekah Hill, Destiny Cagle, Shelby Hammond, TRC Director of Enrollment Services and Student Development Chris Adams, Leighton Moore, group leader Dr. Mairead Ryan-Anderson, TRC Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Maribeth Payne and TRC President Dr. Wesley Payne. Photo provided

Moore explained to District 151 Rep. Herman Morse of Dexter how his father is a pastor who rides along with police officers, but a bullet proof vest is not available for him.

Students were also asked how A+ or service scholarships allowed them to further their education. All the students in the group are on some sort of scholarship to attend TRC.

State funding and how it is used at the institution was also discussed.

“Growing up I always knew I wanted to take part in business, but the older I got I knew I came from a small town and thought, ‘is that possible,’” Cagle said. “Being able to meet the representatives and Doug Libla who are from this area and have succeed so much has really given me motivation that I can do it if I stick to it.”

Seeing the local officials in action reinforces nothing is impossible, Hill said.

Student Leadership Academy was piloted at TRC last spring and includes eight students.

To be a part of the group, students must either be recommended or have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and apply to join.

With 15 spots available, candidates are then chosen based on their applications.

Members are required to meet in 13 events, be active and participate and are assessed on their leadership skills.

“We try to develop those skills and hopefully they have a rewarding experience they can take other places,” Adams said.

With successful completion, students are awarded with a certificate of leadership at the Student Excellence Awards in May.

In addition to growing leadership skills, the Student Leadership Academy also brings new friendships and connections, Hammond said.

“We have met three times and we are already friends,” she said of the group. “Before this trip none of us really knew who the president of the college was, but now we know Dr. Payne and his wife.”

Cagle added being a member of the Student Leadership Academy has allowed her to get to know different people in areas she would have never interacted with otherwise in addition to getting to know others within the system of TRC.

“On top of it, you do learn a lot of leadership skills to help prepare you for the next things coming in your life,” Hammond said.