Eighty Dallas College students, along with 14 advisors, traveled to the Texas Capitol in Austin on Feb. 3 to participate in Community College Day. With more than 900 students from across Texas attending, Dallas College had the largest delegation at the event.
Our students had the opportunity to explore the Capitol grounds, network with other students from across the state and visit 18 legislative offices to share how attending a community college has helped shape their lives.
Kelly Sonnanstine, student life coordinator, said, “A vast majority of Texas politicians don’t have a community college in their district and/or did not attend community college. By taking the students every two years, we are putting a face and a name to the students whose lives their decisions affect directly.”
Students shared their individual stories and challenges with politicians, and had a chance to present their own ideas for creating change to the people who have the influence to make it happen.
In particular, one student made their voice heard. Malak Elkady, a student at Dallas College Richland Campus and Texas Junior College Student Government Association president, addressed the entire Community College Day group from the Capitol steps.
“Getting the opportunity to be one of the speakers during the rally was genuinely invigorating,” Elkady said. “It felt less like a rehearsed monologue and more like a conversation with every student sharing my path. Knowing that my words could inspire even one person to believe in their own power made it one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
For Elkady, a favorite part of the experience was seeing others who are on the same journey. “Although I’m surrounded by the Richland community every day, when you’re on an unconventional path with obstacles, it’s very easy to feel alone. The environment that day was incredibly powerful in the most comforting way possible. It was a reminder that we have each other’s shoulders to lean on while we collectively fight to reach the same goal.”
This opportunity for civic engagement is one that will, hopefully, continue to grow for all the students who participated, shared Sonnanstine. “This seed may grow into a future political figure or maybe it will enhance their understanding of the need for everyone to vote.”
As for Community College Day, Elkady said that it’s not only an opportunity for students to gain tangible experience outside the classroom beyond earning a degree, but it’s an opportunity for the legislators to better understand the community college experience.
“Every day we jump through hoops, and we use our voices to fight. Community College Day is the day we get to put that in the spotlight and pursue tangible change. If I could convince every Dallas College student to be an active part of that movement, I would. Regardless, I’m so honored to represent the voices that aren’t used or heard.”