Commons Room
In a pressed suit and red tie, a Pitt undergraduate stands at the threshold of the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s House chamber. He gazes in awe at the splendid domed room, decked with gilded chandeliers and decorated in an Italian Renaissance theme. In mere minutes, the chamber will be filled with lawmakers carrying out the important work of the state government.
Today, the student—business major Arlind Karpuzzi—is one of those legislators, sort of. He is in Harrisburg, shadowing Representative Mike Turzai to get a taste of what it’s like to work at the state capitol. As Pennsylvania’s Speaker of the House, Turzai is exceptionally busy, but he makes time to share his routine with Karpuzzi. They visit his office and hustle through hallways, chatting en route to meetings. The representative points out notable buildings and landmarks through the capitol windows before stopping to introduce the student to other lawmakers and staffers.
Along with nine other Pitt students, Karpuzzi is part of the annual Legislator for a Day event sponsored by Pitt’s Institute of Politics. The program, which began more than 15 years ago, is geared toward motivated undergraduates who are interested in the political process. Each spring, they are bussed to the capital city to experience life as a house member or senator. They observe policy-making and what it takes to tackle the state’s most pressing issues. “It’s truly a ‘day in the life of,’” says Kim Bellora, who coordinates the program. She is a policy strategist with Pitt’s Institute of Politics.
It’s a meaningful day for Karpuzzi, who has hopes for a political career of his own. Being amidst Harrisburg’s movers and shakers, he can’t help but think about his father, who came to America from war-torn Yugoslavia and scrubbed restaurant floors before eventually opening his own pizza shop. His journey was made possible through immigration legislation. Karpuzzi knows he wants to be part of decision-making in a country that changed his family’s life so powerfully.
Junior neuroscience major Shruti Ravenkar was also impressed by her day in Harrisburg, where she accompanied Representative Brandon Neuman. Already an advocate for those she believes lack adequate voice in government, Ravenkar sometimes gets into heated arguments with friends about how policy affects marginalized people. As she takes a seat in the House chamber’s observation gallery, she’s eager to watch lawmakers debate a bill and argue opposing viewpoints. She expects a highly contentious discussion. Instead, what ensues is calm back-and-forth, nothing resembling the bitter fights highlighted in political dramas on television. Earlier, Neuman introduced Ravenkar to his friends on both sides of the aisle, showcasing meaningful relationships despite differing opinion. That’s something I can strive for, she thinks.
As the students board a bus home after hours of soaking up the legislative life, Ravenkar, Karpuzzi, and their fellow visitors from Pitt reflect on their experiences. Perhaps, with their help, the future may shine as bright as the dome of the capitol building behind them.