Penn State Schuylkill student Alex Kull recently received an inside look at Pennsylvania state government while shadowing state Rep. JoAnne Stehr at the Capitol in Harrisburg.
Kull, a fourth-year business marketing and management major with a minor in criminal justice, spent the day learning about the legislative process and observing Stehr’s work in the state House of Representatives.
The experience was coordinated through Penn State Schuylkill’s collegiate Future Business Leaders of America chapter. Kull learned about the opportunity from Lisa Robinson, a business lecturer and the campus FBLA adviser.
“I found this to be a great opportunity to expand my network and a chance to learn something new,” Kull said. “I wanted to see the inner workings of government and understand how bills, laws and resolutions are developed.”
Kull began the visit by meeting Stehr at her Harrisburg office to review the day’s schedule. He then attended a House Health Committee meeting and observed the House in session, where he was recognized by the Speaker of the House.
Kull said the committee meeting made the strongest impression on him and offered ideas he could apply as president of Penn State Schuylkill’s Student Government Association this fall.
“Seeing how a committee meeting operates and how everyone worked together made me think about how I can lead student government,” Kull said. “It inspired me to bring some of those practices into our meetings on campus.”
His involvement in FBLA has also helped him develop leadership, communication and professional skills through competitions and community service opportunities.
As he prepares to lead the Student Government Association, Kull said watching Stehr work offered practical lessons on representing and advocating for others.
“It gave me numerous ideas on how I can properly lead and advocate for students and their needs and interests at Penn State Schuylkill,” he said.
Stehr said she enjoyed hosting Kull and sharing the legislative process with him.
“He had the opportunity to observe a Health Committee meeting and the work taking place on the House floor,” Stehr said. “I also hope to connect him with some of our local beekeepers so he can continue exploring another one of his passions.”
Stehr described Kull as having a bright future and encouraged other students interested in learning about state government to contact her office about visiting the Capitol.
“I always welcome opportunities for students to visit the Capitol and encourage them to reach out,” Stehr said. “I am happy to share my experiences in the House of Representatives.”
Kull said opportunities beyond the classroom have played an important role in preparing him for his career. Following graduation, he hopes to work in the nonprofit sector or higher education, where he can continue serving communities through leadership and advocacy.
Penn State Schuylkill offers experiential learning opportunities through internships, student organizations, leadership development and partnerships with community leaders.