For Mississippi State University marketing senior Cole Phelps, getting the chance to volunteer at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
After getting an offer from the MSU Republican Chairman Colton Robison, Phelps was one of two MSU students whom made the trip north to help out during the whirlwind week filled with political events.
While at the convention, Phelps volunteered nearly 12 hours each day assisting with credential screenings and shuttling senators, congressmen and delegates to and from the Quicken Loans Arena. On the first day of the convention, Phelps and other volunteers worked an 18 hour day to get acclimated to the scene in Cleveland.
He was able to take time out of his busy schedule to hear the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump accept the party's nomination.
"As a Mississippi guy, I never really thought I would get to see anybody speak like that," Phelps said. "It was great to hear him speak during his keynote address."
At the convention, he was able to meet former Republican candidate Ben Carson, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry through his volunteer efforts.
For more, see the Aug. 1 edition.