As part of the university’s Student Government Day, seven USF St. Petersburg students spent the day at St. Petersburg City Hall last week to get a look of the inner workings at local government.
They began their tour with a greeting from Mayor Rick Kriseman and Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin in the City Council chambers.
They sat in a panel discussion with Kenny Irby, the city’s director of community intervention; Leah McRae, the director of education and community engagement; and Assistant Chief Luke WIlliams of St. Petersburg police. The officials described their jobs and what they do for the community.
The students then went to a Youth Services Committee meeting which included a City Council agenda review giving them a chance to watch local government in action.
On April 14, Mayor Rick Kriseman and Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin met with seven USF St. Petersburg students, who spent the day at St. Petersburg’s City Hall to learn more about local government.
They listened to a proposal for a new community outreach program called “Circles,” which is designed to help people escape poverty through their own work and government assistance.
From there, students had a second panel discussion with Richard Anderson, the manager of staffing and development; Wayne Atherholt, the director of cultural affairs; and Susan Ajoc, the director of community services.
Anderson gave the students an idea of what he looks for in applicants, including tips on how to create a memorable resume.
Finding a job is easier when you already have one, no matter what it is, he said. “I can’t tell you how many people’s part-time jobs turned into their careers.”
After lunch the students chatted with council members Darden Rice and Jim Kennedy, about transportation issues. They also joked about “thrill hill” and the famous hump on Third Street S and 15th Avenue where generations of motorists have gone airborne for a second or two The students then moved to a final panel discussion with the rest of the council members.
The day ended with a question-and-answer session featuring the deputy mayor and a proclamation from the mayor naming April 14 as University of South Florida Student Government Day in the city.
