Dressed to impress and with the stakes higher than ever, eight Tucson high schoolers made their way to the state capital last week to join in the political conversation, meeting with representatives and gaining hands-on experience in the system they’ll soon inherit.

The students are Youth Civic Fellows with the Metro Education Commission, which aims to make a real impact on youth in the community and advocate for the welfare of the education system.

Fellows participate in workshops, volunteer opportunities, and events like last November’s Teen Town Hall, gaining skills to advance a career in service.

During the Teen Town Hall, high school students were given the opportunity to connect with public officials and engage in meaningful discussions around topics including mental health, climate change, substance misuse, and educational inequity and access.

Months later, student participants were eager to share their findings with state representatives during last Wednesday’s trip to the capitol, and talk about their issues of concern.

Vida Rodriguez, a Latino trans student, shared their experience of being a homeless teen expelled from multiple schools. They said they felt powerless, but eventually were able to find their voice at MEC.

"I didn't feel like, as a trans person, I belong in these spaces," Rodriguez said. "We need to create space for people who are often left out."

Brian Nguyen, a student from University High, highlighted the problem with Gen Z being left out of political conversations.

"These laws affect us as much as they affect anyone else," he said.

Nguyen’s primary concern is mental health and substance misuse in schools, along with educational equity in the public school system, where individual schools can often be overlooked.

To kick off their visit to the capital, students watched a live session in the Arizona House of Representatives, immersed in a heated discussion over a bill regarding a new major housing build in Scottsdale.

For Milla Eiklenborg, the trip was a valuable real-world connection to what she’s learning in her advanced placement government class.

She said watching live caucus meetings and seeing legislators debate bills up close and personal brought her coursework to life.

After the session, the students had the chance to speak one-on-one with a trio of Tucson-based lawmakers who shared behind-the-scenes details on the discussion students had just watched, teaching the teens about the dynamics of politics and the complexities that often come with working in this field.

Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, a former teacher, talked about her experience working in education and politics, saying that public schools face funding shortages time and time again. Even schools that don't qualify for federal support are struggling to maintain staff, facilities, and programs, she said.

She referenced a recent approval by the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board to rent out a portion of a public school facility to a private school, reflecting the district’s desperation for funding under harsh financial strain.

Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton talked about her first steps into politics, saying it’s crucial to remain civically engaged.

Hamilton began her career in politics later in life, telling students it's never too late to get involved. She said her teacher husband and the shutdown of her children's school inspired her to become invested in changing the public school system.

"We are a family of privilege,” she acknowledged of her white, middle-class status. "And for somebody like me to still struggle to make ends meet is nerve-racking."

She told students they aren’t alone and that regardless of their background, legislators recognize the real struggles families in Southern Arizona face. She urged students to continue their work to improve the public education system from within.

"The state legislature has a history of balancing the budget on the backs of our children," Hamilton said. "That really lit a fire in me."

Calli Jones, director of communications for the Arizona Senate Democratic Caucus, knows what it's like to be the youngest person in the building and was perhaps the most impactful voice on the students’ journey up north.

Jones said she juggled a lot managing communications for 13 senators and was candid with students about the high-pressure world of political public relations.

"Sometimes the job feels rigged against you," Jones said. "You're already trying to prove your worth in the world. Give yourself a lot of grace. Get up after getting kicked in the face, eat it, and then do it again tomorrow. That sets you up for success."

Jones encouraged students to start building relationships that go beyond networking. She advised them to focus on staying visible in the spaces that matter to them, referencing her own experience looking for jobs in the highly competitive market.

In the political world, jobs aren’t always being posted publicly, Jones said. They’re often given to people hiring managers, candidates, and elected officials are already familiar with and trust.

"If they know you and know you show up, they'll remember you when opportunities arise," Jones said. "You can have the best ideas in the world, but if nobody knows about them, who cares?"

University High School student Jenny Tran said the trip was an eye-opening experience that solidified her dreams of working in public policy and education.

"It's comforting to know that there are people in power who resonate with your ideas and who want to pursue the same things you do," Tran said.

Her favorite moment was watching the legislative session in action, saying she was quickly sucked into the compelling drama and building intensity on the House floor.

She said the trip to the Capitol made the process feel real and her goals more tangible.

Nihar Goulapally, a junior at BASIS Oro Valley, had a similar takeaway from the trip.

He was surprised to discover how accessible politics truly is, now knowing there are many legislators and staff members that he can rely on to listen.

"They're not distant, high-up individuals…They're people just like us," Goulapally said. "We may not always get a long conversation, but showing up matters."

Angelina Maynes is a University of Arizona alum and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at angelinamaynes@arizona.edu.

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