Now recruiting for 2011
The deadline for Moreno/Rangel Legislative Leadership program has been extended an additional two weeks. The new deadline is November 5, 2011.
The deadline for Moreno/Rangel Legislative Leadership program has been extended an additional two weeks. The new deadline is November 5, 2011.
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Andrew F. Besa. I am currently completing my Master’s Degree in Rhetoric and Composition at Texas State University-San Marcos. I am very interested in the Moreno/Rangel Legislative Leadership internship opportunity, however, I am not a traditional student. I am 45 years of age am married, and have no children (my wife is also a graduate student). Because of my status, I was wondering whether my age and academic standing would render me ineligible for this position. Regardless, I have been unable to open the link that leads to the PDF file copy of the application. Please advise me on both my eligibility and the issue regarding the application link.
As a Latino (Mexican-American) who has lived in Texas my entire life–save three years stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, as a paratrooper–I am gravely concerned by current trends I see in both our state and our nation. The rise in “tolerated racism” (demonstrated by the misnamed “Tea Party” movement) and the general apathy and acceptance of this trend on the parts of my fellow students and many of my fellow Latinos greatly disturbs me. As such, I stand at the crossroads. I ask myself: What is my next academic step? Should I apply to doctoral programs in rhetoric and composition and sequester myself to academy or should I apply law school? (Realistically, both options require me to stay in central Texas because I am married and have aging parents with whom I hope to spend more time.) Which will have the greater impact on my family and community? Which will prove a greater benefit to my community?
While I do not expect an internship to answer these questions, I feel that the experience will determine for me whether I can be a greater positive impact for my community as a future attorney (and potential legislator) or as a future professor of rhetoric and composition (guiding Latino students through the minefield of the modern US academy)? Both career paths are honorable and our community is in dire need of representation in each of them.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Andrew F. Besa