Cleveland State Students Participate in TISL

Holly Vincent
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 12:00 AM
Students, All

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Cleveland State Community College had five members of its Student Senate participate in the 49^th General Assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) held at the state Capital recently. Students served as either house members, senators, media representatives or lobbyists and were part of a total group of more than 300 students from over 40 different colleges and universities across the state.

TISL is a forum for the top echelon of campus leaders and political science students to exchange ideas and express their opinions on state, federal, and local issues. TISL’s General Assembly, which first convened in 1966, meets in the legislative chambers of the State Capitol each November.

 Two of the five students received special recognition at the close of the event. Cassiopeia Blackburn was named outstanding lobbyist; and Amanda Forbes received recognition as an outstanding Representative. Other members of the CSCC delegation were Abigail Flores, and Justin Godfrey (Senators); and Jannat Saeed (Representative).

CSCC TISL Representative, Amanda Forbes said, “I was in the House of Representatives this year, and I enjoyed it immensely. Our bill is in reference of implementing technology at restaurant drive through’s for individuals who are hearing impaired. The bill will help so many people, including myself and my child. I have personally been working on trying to get this type of technology in my own town for the last three years, and TISL made one of my dreams come true. It changed my life as my minor, when I go to UTC, will now be in political science.”

CSCC TISL Diversity and Diversity Coalition Lobbyist Cassiopeia Blackburn said, “TISL was amazing! I learned so much about how our legislative parliamentary procedures, and was able to be a part of history at TISL. Our bill was the first of its kind, and to be such an integral part to something so historic was absolutely phenomenal. I am beyond excited for what next year’s TISL conference holds!”

Jennifer Marx, Coordinator of Student Life, said, “While Amanda had the history with and idea for the bill that we proposed, all of the students took it on and pursued its success with a real passion. Every one of them jumped right in and made the most out of the experience - learning, overcoming anxieties, and making connections and friendships.

Photo Cutline: CSCC had five students participate in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) held at the state Capitol recently. Pictured: Abigail Flores, Amanda Forbes, Justin Godfrey, Cassieopeia Blackburn and Jannat Saeed.