Students Go to City Hall Through Legislator for a Day

Community College of Philadelphia’s Office of Government Relations hosted the third annual Legislator for a Day event at City Hall on Oct. 29, giving 17 students the opportunity to shadow their district Councilmember for the day. Students gain firsthand insight into local government and see how decisions are made in the communities they call home. The College is grateful to the councilmembers who participated this year, giving students a unique learning experience that goes far beyond the classroom.

“Legislator for a Day was a truly humbling experience, and I enjoyed every second of it,” said Myesha Smith, a Communication and Media Studies major. “Being mentored by CCP alum Kendra Brooks made it extra special. It’s a reminder that being a CCP student is being part of greatness and has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in politics.” Myesha is also a member of CCP’s Student Government Association, which inspired her to participate in Legislator for a Day.

For Kakakdar Lim, a Business—General major and member of the Student Government Association, Legislator for a Day demonstrated just how committed elected officials are to their constituents. “My time with councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips and his team was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of local government in action, but I also got to see up close how dedicated our councilmembers are to serving others,” Kakakdar said. “Councilm[ember] Phillips offered so much great guidance on school, life and community leadership. To top it off, his team welcomed me so warmly and even took me to the top of City Hall for the very first time!”

And for Tiffany White, a Liberal Arts major and member of the Honor Society, Legislator for a Day struck an emotional chord. Tiffany shadowed councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, who is a strong advocate for quality, early childhood education. Tiffany’s mother, who passed away in 2025, dedicated her career to childhood literacy as a literacy consultant for Children’s Literacy Initiative and a children’s storytime leader within the Lower Merion Library System. “What made this experience so extraordinary was that Dr. Ahmad unknowingly reawakened something my mother had planted in me many years ago,” Tiffany said. “Through her kindness, brilliance and commitment to public service, she reminded me of a part of myself I thought I had lost.”

Tiffany walked away from Legislator for a Day with a renewed sense of hope and passion for helping the children of Philadelphia, a way for her to remain connected to her late mother. “I entered Legislator for a Day expecting to learn about civic leadership. I left having rediscovered a piece of my mother’s legacy within myself and a renewed belief in what I can contribute to the future of Philadelphia’s children.”

CCP is proud to offer this unique learning experience to students, allowing them to be civically engaged directly with the people making decision in their neighborhoods. A special thank you to assistant professor and program coordinator for Criminal Justice Malika Rahman, director of Government Relations Mikal Jenkins, manager of External Affairs Kamesha Callands and Community Engagement specialist Olivia Edwards who worked together to make this program possible.