Summer is a time to kick back and relax for most college students. Nevertheless, some students are spending their free time this summer helping with local campaigns. Whether they are getting paid, getting class credit, or just volunteering, I found three students who don’t regret spending the summer in the political world.

                Tessa Breder is a student at the University of Oklahoma, and she has been very involved with the College Republican group on campus. Her involvement with College Republicans helped her get a position with Aaron Stiles’ campaign for State Senate.  Tessa said that Stiles got her name from a former College Republican chairman. Tessa and Stiles talked politics over breakfast one day and she decided to be his Director of Logistics for the summer break.

                “I know how difficult it is for a Republican to win in district 45, especially as a first time candidate so I knew this would be a campaign that I could really make a large impact on,” Tessa said. “Most people are attracted to the larger campaigns because they’re the most glamorous, but the smaller campaigns, generally, the more important your help is.”

                Tessa says she has enjoyed her summer so far because she believes in the candidate that she is working for.

                Connor Ferguson, a student at Oklahoma State University, is no different. He says he really supports the local campaign he decided to intern for this summer, Dana Murphy for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner. Connor knew he wanted to work on a campaign for the summer, so he sent out his resume all over the state. He says Dana Murphy contacted him first, and he starting working the very first week of summer break.

                “My absolute favorite part of the job is the candidate for whom I work for,” Connor said. “She is always striving to build me up as a person whether through knowledge or just an absolute love of what she is doing that often rubs off on me.”

                Connor says he knew a little about local politics before this internship, but has really learned a lot over the summer. He says he feels almost like an expert when talking about the state’s energy, oil production, and the regulatory side of energy production and transmission.

                “The amount of knowledge I’ve gained, places I’ve seen, and people I’ve met have really made this internship one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Connor said.

                Sam Ikard, student at the University of Oklahoma, has been helping with Andrew Rice’s race for U.S. Senate since January, and this summer he is now getting paid for his efforts. Right now Sam, along with other interns, is on a week long road trip across the state to campaign for Rice.

                Sam says he is has been involved with several campaigns going on this year and he attends OU Democrat meetings. He encourages other students to take an interest and get involved.

                “All the campaigns are gearing up for primaries and then move towards the general,” Sam said. “Campaigns are looking for lots of volunteers to canvass, stuff envelopes, etc.”