Bianca Thakur {Courtesy}
Bianca Thakur, a sixth-grade speech and debate student at Westglades Middle School, recently headed to Tallahassee during spring break to intern at the Florida House of Representatives through the esteemed Page and Messenger Program.
Bianca, who resides in Heron Bay, represents Coral Springs and Parkland students while working alongside lawmakers, lobbyists, and staff during one of the busiest legislative sessions of the year.
“I have a strong interest in how our government functions, which stems from a desire to understand what shapes our communities and influences our lives,” Bianca told Parkland Talk, explaining what motivated her to apply for the program.
The Page and Messenger Program dates back to 1865 – and allows students to witness the legislative process up close, assist Representatives, and even participate in a mock session in the House Chamber. But for Bianca, the highlight of her week in Tallahassee will be presenting her own two proposed bills.
“I am most excited about presenting two proposed bills,” Bianca shared. “One is a bill to implement a four-day workweek, and the other is establishing more state holidays. These are vital because children need parental bonding experiences. Parental bonding provides cognitive and emotional development, which creates a feeling of safety and security.”
Bianca tells Parkland Talk she has a serious passion for civic engagement, which was sparked through her involvement in the Speech and Debate program at Westglades Middle School. There, she competed in six tournaments and won medals in each one.
Her experiences in the debate have also shaped her views on key issues that she believes impact students across Florida.
“I care deeply about issues that affect me and other children, such as school safety and work-life balance for families,” Bianca explained. “I’ve had personal experiences with lockdowns and secure drills, which can be terrifying for children. Unfortunately, I’ve been preparing for the possibility of a ‘bad guy’ coming since kindergarten. If families had more quality time together, communities would produce children who feel seen and heard.”
Looking ahead, Bianca hopes this opportunity will lay the foundation for a career in public service.
“I have aspirations of becoming a member of Congress, but I would like to experience other forms of government since I have this opportunity,” she said.
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