Hesston College students recently had a unique opportunity to participate in the Kansas Independent Colleges Association (KICA) Student Day at the Capitol, where they engaged with state legislators and gained firsthand experience in government operations. This marked the first time Hesston College students attended the annual event, which highlights the role of independent colleges in Kansas and their impact on the state’s economy and workforce.
Accompanied by history professor Dr. Peter Lehman, students Trintity Fairbanks and Sebastian Pavlovich met with four state legislators, shared their personal stories and discussed how private colleges contribute to the state’s economic landscape. They also toured the capitol dome and observed a legislative session in progress.
“The purpose of this event is to, firstly, emphasize the important role that independent colleges in Kansas, such as KICA member schools, play in allowing Kansans to meet their career goals and in supporting the economy of the state,” Lehman explained. “This is accomplished by having students share their stories and how their college is and will be vital to their success. Secondly, it is to provide a rare educational opportunity for students who get to witness a legislative session and meet with individual lawmakers.”
For freshman Trintity Fairbanks of Salina, Kan., who is pursuing a career in the medical field, the experience was eye opening and inspiring.
“We had a great time meeting the legislators — they were surprisingly down to earth!” she said. “I was also shocked to learn that they operate on a 90-day working period and come from diverse backgrounds across Kansas. Senator Owens was a really great guy, and I’m grateful to have him and the other legislators I spoke with representing our state.”
Sebastian Pavlovich, a freshman recreation and sports studies major from Lindsborg, Kan., echoed the sentiment, saying he had initially been nervous about speaking with legislators but quickly realized how approachable they were.
“At first, I thought it would be pretty scary. Who am I to talk to a person of that stature about myself?” Pavlovich admitted. “But I learned quickly how personable they were — especially Senator Owens. Man oh man, he was so awesome. He gave us a cool medallion figure to keep, ended up being late to a meeting for us, invited us back to the Capitol to shadow him, and really heard us out on what we were talking about… I truthfully felt heard.”
“I truly enjoy the opportunity to help [students] not only understand how our government functions, but to help them understand that I was a KICA student,” Stephen Owens, state senator for district 31, shared in an email response to the college. “As a Bethel [College] and Southwestern [College] graduate, I had the opportunity to have an education that cannot be duplicated at a large public school. These experiences set me up for future success and growth. It provided the foundation for my service in the Legislature. Hopefully, they realized they are capable as well.”
Both students were also struck by the economic impact of independent colleges like Hesston on Kansas communities.
“I was surprised to learn that private college funding is significantly smaller compared to public and community colleges,” Fairbanks noted. “I had assumed private schools would receive more funding, so this was eye-opening for me.”
“Colleges like Hesston bring in money by attracting students, staff and visitors who are willing to support funds for the small town,” Pavlovich added. “They will spend an extended amount of money; eating at local restaurants, shopping multiple times a day at a local store, filling up on gas and just overall spend big bucks… Colleges like ours also help business by training students to become skilled workers in the state, working in important industries, which directly affects the economy and strengthens it.”
Owens also found the opportunity beneficial for Kansas legislators as a whole.
“Having representatives from the KICA schools advocate for their colleges is so important,” he said. “Often times, we get caught up on the large, public universities since they are fully funded by state funds. Many in the building are reminded how important the comprehensive grant is to our KICA colleges. I am proud to advocate along side these students for our KICA colleges.”
With a lot of takeaways for students and legislators alike, the day proved valuable on many fronts.
“I hoped that students would gain an appreciation for the real and practical difference state policies make in their everyday lives by talking with representatives,” Lehman shared. “People tend to focus on national politics much more, I think, despite the important work done in our state capital. The students told their stories, asked great questions, and were polite, enthusiastic and curious throughout. I was very proud to be accompanying them.”