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FROM STAFF REPORTS

Several members of the University of Montevallo Student Government Association received firsthand advice from a member of U.S. Sen. Doug Jones’ staff during a Feb. 18 visit.

Rebecca Howard, a legislative assistant who handles education and agriculture issues for Jones in Washington, D.C., spoke with the Montevallo SGA members on topics ranging from policy development to navigating life on Capitol Hill.

Howard explained how networking and persistence led to her becoming involved with Jones’ campaign, and told the students developing professional connections now can benefit them greatly in the future.

“Find someone who is doing what you are interested in and get in contact with them,” Howard said. “Networking and proving that you are good at what you do really goes a long way.”

The students in attendance shared why they love Montevallo, touting qualities such as the small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty and abundant opportunities to make a difference through campus organizations such as SGA.

Howard said she often touts Alabama to her peers in Washington, and said she considers it an honor to work for her home state. She encouraged the students to remain active in politics on campus and in their communities after graduation.

“Be involved in whatever political process you have access to,” Howard said. “You all have a lot more power than you think you do.”