A native of Austin, Vanessa Solesbee initially came to Southwestern to play volleyball and enjoy all that the small, liberal arts campus had to offer. Now, only a few years after graduation, she is at the forefront of Texan politics.

Upon completing her Master of Arts in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Texas at Austin, Vanessa applied for the Senator Gregory Luna Memorial Legislative Scholars Program. “I knew that the program was well run and extremely competitive. Sixty people apply each year and they only accept ten. It’s a nation-wide search, also spreading to Puerto Rico and Mexico.” Vanessa’s admission followed an appointment to Senator Leticia Van de Putte’s office. “I was lucky. I worked full-time aiding legislation in health and human services and international relations and trade.” Vanessa met with lobbyists and interest groups and assisted in the movement of bills through the legislative process.

At the end of her appointment, Senator Van de Putte offered her a full-time position as media director. The first to hold such a position, Vanessa enjoys the freedom to develop her responsibilities and meet her personal goals. “My role is to let Senator Van de Putte’s supporters know what she is doing in the Senate.” Vanessa loves what she does because it affects Texans everyday. “Legislation turns into law. What we do does something for the greater good.” On a daily basis, Vanessa shapes Van de Putte’s message for the media. She sends out media advisories and press releases and contacts the Associated Press. Vanessa builds relationships with the media so that a consistent message is created for the senator.

Vanessa knows how to develop relationships, gaining experience from her years at Southwestern. She grew close to her instructors and administrators, in particular Christine Kiesinger (Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication). “I was drawn to Dr. Kiesinger because she was so unique and intelligent. She was a good advisor and a great listener. She helped me talk through my experiences. I still remain in contact with her and can always count on that.”

“I am thankful everyday that I attended Southwestern. Some of my best friends are from there. Southwestern creates a wonderful community that meets individual needs. It opens doors for students, but you have to be willing to put forth the effort!” Vanessa continues, “Working at the Capitol demonstrated to me that you have to do everything with integrity. You have to stand behind what you say and realize that a great deal of your professional success is tied to whether or not your colleagues perceive you as a trustworthy and honest person. I think that treating others the way I would like to be treated myself was one of the most valuable lessons I learned while at Southwestern.” Vanessa’s experiences demonstrate how the Capitol and Southwestern are not too far apart from one another, each providing a small community that supports growing voices.