CLP 2009: Day 24, Tuesday June 23

Jun 23 2009 - 10:16pm

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 24—Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Reported by: Waylin Ross, Old Dominion University

Like the morning of every “trip” day, everybody woke up rushing, being careful not to hold up the bus.  After a long night of editing our first draft, the ride there was a blur to many because they were busy sleeping. To me, there's nothing like a good long bus ride to help me catch up on some sleep. Unfortunately, the hour and a half long ride there only seemed like 20 minutes. We arrived in Richmond at 9 o’clock.
     Our first stop was the General Assembly Building, where we went through the usual shake down. The security was surprised and thankful that not one person set off the metal detector in our whole group of 30 people! The first person we met was Robert Vaughan, the staff director for the House Appropriations Committee.
     Next we headed to the Capitol, where we spoke with Steven Jones, the director of Virginia21. Virginia21 is the biggest interest group that lobbies for students, and is a grassroots organization. At this point our eyes opened as it was important for us to pay attention to the legislation that was being discussed effecting students. Followed by Steven was John Hager. Mr. Hager is the Chairman of the Sorensen State Advisory Board, and is the former Lieutenant Governor among many other achievements and titles.
     After we ate, we headed to Midlothian to the State Police Academy. We met Colonel Flaherty, and he discussed his job as the Superintendent of State Police. We then split up into two groups. The first group had a crash course of when to shoot and not shoot, being careful not to kill pedestrians with this simulation program. The second group, which I was a part of, received a crash course in high-speed driving in the police car. Yes, we actually drove the police car as fast as we wanted too. Surprisingly, I drove the car the fastest and was only one of two not to knock down any cones. We met back up with the other group to go on a quick tour of the academy and then headed home.

—Waylin Ross, Old Dominion University