Undergrads Get Texas-Sized Experience as Legislative Interns

05.08.2023

From left: Hani Al-Khaiyat, Azaria Au, Manaal Shaikh and Juan Castro.

During the 88th Texas Legislative Session, four students from The University of Texas at Dallas who were selected for this year’s Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) have found ways to make a positive difference from inside the state Capitol.

“TLIP provides an ideal opportunity for students across all majors to get the opportunity for a firsthand experience in working directly with Texas legislators on the process of drafting and passing public policy. Our UTD interns come back to campus having learned as much about themselves as about Texas politics and government,” said Dr. Douglas C. Dow, associate dean of the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College, which administers the TLIP.

The undergraduate internship program takes place in the spring semester while the Legislature is in session. The program provides academic, professional and practical support for students while they intern in a state legislative or senatorial office for the full semester. Open to students from all majors who have an interest in the legislative process and Texas politics, it is an intensive, full-time experience that provides UT Dallas students with 12 credit hours and scholarships to offset housing costs in Austin.

Hani Al-Khaiyat

Major: Economics
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Senior Hani Al-Khaiyat said his educational journey has not taken a linear path. The Jordan native, who transferred to UTD, knew the TLIP program aligned with his desire to become involved in government.

The opportunity to intern in the office of Republican Rep. Angie Chen Button of Richardson allowed Al-Khaiyat to develop a diverse skillset in a variety of roles, from tracking legislation coming through Button’s committees to evaluating policy to planning events. He also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Jordanian delegation attending this year’s South by Southwest event in Austin.

Al-Khaiyat believes the internship program opens doors for students. He encourages others considering the program to stay persistent in their efforts to maximize their experience.

Azaria Au

Major: Economics
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

With an extensive interest in health policy and a desire to help correct health care inequities stemming from economic disparities, junior Azaria Au worked with the team of Democratic Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas.

Au, who was a National Merit Scholar, helped analyze the economic implications of legislation under consideration in the Senate. Her responsibilities grew to include drafting policy briefs and floor talking points, promoting opioid crisis-related legislation, and making vote recommendations on a variety of bills.

A native of Kansas, Au aims to use her new skills to encourage others to let their voices be heard through the legislative process. She said her new perspective on the value of grassroots engagement will serve her well as she continues on her path to become a physician.

Juan Castro

Major: Business administration
Naveen Jindal School of Management

As a first-generation student and one of the Jindal School’s Nova student ambassadors, senior Juan Castro has made it a priority to seek out students whose backgrounds mirror his own, ensuring that they have the resources to succeed and helping them find community.

From early on, Castro knew he wanted to get involved in government, so applying for the TLIP was a natural choice. His internship in the office of Democratic Sen. Royce West of Dallas provided an opportunity to participate in a variety of behind-the-scenes tasks, from taking memos and interfacing with constituents to attending Finance Committee hearings.

As a strong proponent of TLIP, Castro hopes others will seek out what he considers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Manaal Shaikh

Major: Political science
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Growing up in Qatar, junior Manaal Shaikh developed an early appreciation for the importance of staying politically engaged. Her goal of pursuing an education in the U.S. eventually led her to UTD, where she developed the dream of one day becoming a diplomat.

As an intern in the office of Democratic Rep. Victoria Neave Criado of Dallas, Shaikh learned about the many essential roles that staffers play during the session. She regularly engaged in time-sensitive research, met with community advocates and helped maintain Neave Criado’s demanding schedule.

As her confidence and legislative prowess developed, Shaikh encouraged other students to consider the program as an avenue for building connections and representing their individual identities and communities in lasting ways.