As a delegate for South Carolina Student Legislature, I have acquired so many useful life skills, as well as lifelong friendships. Below are a few of the reasons that you should become a delegate too!
1. You will learn how to write bills, and you will experience the process of how a bill becomes a law.
As a delegate for Student Legislature, you will be given the opportunity to learn how to write and format an idea in the form of a law, and present it to a body of other students (like mock Congress). Your bill can be about anything you are passionate about and would like to see change in your state. It could be about education, medicine, taxes, anything that can be regulated by the state.
2. You don't have to be a Political Science major to join.
Because a democracy is ran by the people for the people, it demands participation from everyone. No matter what your major is, if you plan to live in a democratic nation for the rest of your life, then you need to know how the democratic processes work. In fact, it's a really neat experience to be able see an education major discuss their views on a particular education policy, or a public health major discuss their views on a health policy, and it gives everyone a broader perspective on these issues!
3. You are excused from classes to represent your college during session.
While this isn't exactly a reason to join, it's definitely a benefit to being a member.
4. Meet people, make friends.
There is a social aspect to this as well! It's nice to be able to casually discuss your bill ideas with other delegates outside of session, and it's also refreshing to talk about things other than politics! While we may all have varying ideological differences, you will find that we all have more in common than you would think!
5. Learn how to respectfully disagree with others.
This is very important. We all are very passionate about the things that we believe in, (otherwise, we wouldn't be debating about them!) but as a delegate for Student Legislature you will learn when it is important to listen, when it is important to speak, and how to disagree with someone's ideas, without insulting them as a person. This is a valuable skill to have, as there will always be people you will disagree with in life.
6. Learn how to stand up and speak up for the things that you believe in.
There are times when you need to listen, and there are times when you need to be heard. Student delegates come from different schools from all over the state, and sometimes all over the country. Everyone has different experiences, identities, and different points of view. As a delegate for Student Legislature, you will learn how to voice yours respectfully.
