The most underappreciated building in Austin is just one mile from UT’s campus. Within the pink granite walls of the Texas Capitol is something many students don’t realize they can access: the chance to speak directly with their representatives.
The Capitol isn’t just for lawmakers and politicians — it’s for every Texan, including the over 55,000 students who attend UT. The biggest barrier between students and the legislature isn’t the distance, but rather our assumption that we don’t belong there.
UT students pride themselves on being politically engaged. We debate policies in our classrooms and organize around causes we care about, yet we underutilize our proximity to the Capitol. State representatives and their staff are more accessible than students realize, and that accessibility is an overlooked opportunity to get involved in our state government.
With 150 representatives and 31 senators serving Texans across the state, legislators represent smaller districts than members of Congress, meaning legislative offices have the chance to work closer with constituents. Students don’t need experience or a government degree to participate; they just need to show up.
“Even just a casual visit into an office is a huge, valuable tool for anybody who wants to get to know (their representative),” said Hannah Horick, a former chief of staff for a Texas representative. “I love when students pop in and tell us what they’re passionate about.”
These opportunities extend beyond meetings. Students can testify before legislative committees, attend hearings and build relationships with staffers. These experiences offer an education that no classroom can provide.
“Many students think that the Capitol is a really serious place, where if they ask questions or stop in, they’re interrupting someone’s work. I think the thing students don’t realize is that talking to constituents, young people and Texans is the work,” Horick said.
Getting firsthand experience working in the legislature is the best way to realize how accessible it is.
“(The Texas Legislature) is a huge community of people who want to be involved with each other, and everyone has such a growth mindset and a want for a positive future. … Everyone really does want to hear from you,” said Avishi Pandya, a Plan II and international relations and global studies sophomore and intern for Rep. Salman Bhojani.
Of course, not every student wants to pursue a career in politics, but civic engagement isn’t limited to aspiring politicians. Whether you’re studying business, STEM or the arts, the policies debated at the Capitol affect your tuition, healthcare and future career. If those issues matter to you, your voice should be a part of the conversation.
The solution is surprisingly simple. Visit the Capitol! You can schedule a meeting with your state representative, send an email about an issue you care about or just walk in.
“Government only functions well when there is involvement and accountability. … Even when it’s tough, even when it feels like no one is listening to you, … you have to participate, because if you don’t, who the hell will?” said Allison Heinrich, chief of staff for Rep. John Bucy III.
Students often complain that elected officials don’t listen to young people, but before we criticize the system for shutting us out, we should try walking the mile to the Capitol’s front door.
Sengupta is an international relations and global studies and Plan II sophomore from Leander, Texas.