Dallas College student organization leaders and delegates recently took a trip to Austin for Community College Day at the state capitol. It was an opportunity for students to engage directly with legislators about the needs and challenges faced by community college students.
This year’s visit on Feb. 3 was marked with passionate advocacy among dedicated students who brought key issues to the table that included financial aid for international students, funding for student resources, free feminine hygiene products on campus, and job opportunities for students.
For many students, this was their first experience in legislative advocacy. It left a lasting and memorable impact.
Valentine Anuligo, one of the student representatives from North Lake Campus, described the trip as a good experience and emphasized the responsibility that came with speaking on behalf of thousands of Dallas College students.
Vanessa Robles, another student representative from North Lake, was also inspired by the visit. She was impressed by the architecture and historical significance of the capitol, describing it as “a very open place available for people to visit.”
“It was amazing getting the chance to connect with those representatives and address issues that could be in the minds of multiple people,” Robles said.
Benjamin Donnells, a student representative and president of Student Programs and Campus Engagement (SPACE), described his experience as a microcosm of Texas politics. He and his team initially met with the assistant to Rep. Garcia Hernandez (D-Dallas). They only met with Rep. Hernandez for a few minutes.
One of the topics discussed during the meetings was the lack of financial aid for international students.
Anuligo emphasized the financial burden faced by international students face despite their contributions to campus life. He advocated for merit-based scholarships for international students, who pay a higher rate for tuition compared to those who pay in-state tuition.
Nieves Turcios, another North Lake student who is the president of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) club, advocated for STEM club funding and improvements to the campus food pantry program.
Robles advocated for expanding job opportunities for international students on campus. Support for student housing was another issue that came up during the meeting.
While some issues seemed to have support, others, like scholarships and on-campus jobs for international students, were seen as federal issues.
According to the assistant, the best they could do is put more money into community colleges to drop the cost of tuition.
One of the students asked how they could keep sharing the results of community college life with the state legislature.
“Just as you are doing now,” Nicolas said. “Advocating and being the voice for other students on campus.”
For Turcios, the trip emphasized the power of networking and civic engagement.
Turcios wants to become and judge and learned early on that sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know that makes the difference.
Students left the capitol motivated and inspired to continue advocating for change.
“After the trip, I realized how important it is to advocate outside campus rather than just on campus,” Anuligo said.
When asked if they would participate in future advocacy efforts, Anuligo, Turcios and Robles all gave a striking “Yes.”
“Every year, things change,” Turcious said, adding that it’s important to stay informed. He also praised the importance of going on student trips like this.
Their collective advice to future student advocates is to be prepared, stay involved, and take initiative.
“Know exactly what you want to talk about and do some research before arriving,” Anuligo said.
“An educated society can go further than any other,” Turcios said.
Robles encouraged students to take the next step by joining student organizations.
“Join clubs. Take leadership opportunities. Swing by the Student Life Center and make yourself known,” Robles said. She recommended joining groups like Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Student Ambassadors, Student Government Association (SGA) and SPACE.
As students continue to push for policy changes that reflect the needs of community colleges, their participation in events like Community College Day serves as a reminder that their voices matter and that they are being heard.
