My name is Elyse Woodland. I had the opportunity to be a page in the Idaho State Senate for 6 weeks. Being a Senate page was one of my most memorable experiences and I would highly recommend any senior in high school to apply to become a page.

I learned a ton about government and about the legislative process, but here are a few of the most important things that I learned.

1. Senators are normal people. They have families and friends. They have a good sense of humor and know how to have fun.
2. The process of passing a bill is really a long, complicated, and difficult process. A bill goes through committee meetings, the Senate, and the House before going to the Governor and that is only if everyone agrees on the bill, otherwise it is a bit more complicated.
3. Parliamentary procedure is difficult to understand at first, but it becomes a second language and you may even start to have dreams in parliamentary procedure!
4. Senators do their homework. Sometimes when the Senate is in session the Senators seem to not be paying much attention, but in all reality they really know what the issue is and how they are going to vote. Also at a moments notice a senator has to be ready to present a bill, appointment, resolution, or amendment.
5. The Capitol Building is a really confusing building at first, but as time goes on it becomes like a second home. You also discover something new everyday about the building such as secret elevators, the fifth floor, and the tunnels.
6. JFAC, the committee that decides the budget, I believe, really puts Idaho's money where it needs to go.
7. I realize that you don't have to be a lawyer or even graduate from college to become a legislator. Having those professions do help, but you don't have to be any of those to represent your district or even state.