Page 4 of The Playboy's Playbook

I’ve spent the better part of this session researching education disparities in Alabama to help create the Education Equity and Access Act. My hometown, Oakridge, has a great school system. Not all cities and towns in the state are as lucky.

When I gave Senator Mitchell my final notes and research, she was impressed with the amount of detail I included. She also slid in a proposal for a pay raise for teachers, which tugged on my heart strings because my mom worked as a teacher for nineteen years before becoming a principal.

This bill could literally change how children learn and interact in school and to know that I had a hand in its inception is a big deal, so I need to dress like a big deal.

Besides waking up at the unholiest of hours, I love what I do because creating policies that could enact positive change is what I live for.

It’s what I was made for.

“Nola, kennel,” I say to my miniature Yorkie as I get her food and water bowls ready. Nola comes barreling out of my room and slides into her kennel, ready to eat and sleep the day away. I pet her behind her ear as she dips her head into her kibble.

“Be a good girl. I’ll see you at lunch,” I say as I close the door to the kennel and get my keys before going to my garage to get in my car.

Today is a drive-thru breakfast day, so I make sure that I leave at the perfect time to beat traffic and be the first in line at the coffee shop. Once I secure my Frappuccino, I make the thirty-minute drive to the Capitol.

I’m surprised that traffic is light this morning – normally people are on the road as early as four in the morning to get ahead of the crowd. With it being Thursday, most people are probably taking the day off to get ready for a long weekend or just chose not to go to work today. Whatever the reason, I’m thankful for the easy drive this morning.

D.C. traffic is the bane of my existence and has been since I arrived, but I refuse to take the subway. The last time I got on the D.C. Metro, we were delayed for two hours because someone decided to party hard and empty their stomach all over the cabin. We had to sit and wait for the nearest janitorial staff to get the train cleaned and for the medical team to escort the guy off the train.

When I told Senator Mitchell, I thought she was going to yell and think I was lying. She did the opposite – she laughed and suggested that I drive to work and gave me route options that are less congested in the morning.

I turn my car down the street that leads to the parking deck, waving to my co-workers as they gather their things to head into the office. Once I’m inside, I greet the security guards like I always do on the way to the elevator. From the elevator, it’s a short walk to my office.

I enjoy the quietness of the building before the hustle and bustle begins. It’s the last day of the legislative session, so it’ll be more hectic than normal with staffers and interns cleaning their offices and bills being carried back and forth.

I flip the lights on and set my bag down in my office chair, removing my jacket, before walking to the window and looking at the downtown scene below me.

I look at everyone walking into work, bags in hand and coffee mugs being drained. I’m pulled from my thoughts when my office phone rings. I take a small sip from my drink before sitting down in the chair, not bothering to move my bag, and answer.

“Senator Mitchell’s office, this is Laila,” I say, my customer service voice coming into effect.

“Hi, Laila. I’m looking to see if the Senator would be available for an interview with the local newspaper. I’d like to get her thoughts on this year’s legislative session. This is Emily Johnson, senior reporter at the D.C. Star,” Emily answers.

“Let me transfer you to the head of communications. One moment.” I dial the number and transfer the call before finally moving my purse to the shelf behind me so I can relax in my chair. I turn and log onto my computer, responding to a couple of emails when the door across the hall opens.

“Laila, can you step inside for a moment? I want to review some stuff before we go to the floor,” Senator Mitchell’s southern drawl calls from across the hallway.

“Yes ma’am,” I respond as I grab my notebook and place my glasses on my face before walking to her office.

“Oh, you look like a doll, but you look like a doll every day! Sit down, I want to make sure this sounds right,” Senator Mitchell says as I enter the bright office. She’s in her late forties with curly brown hair and the sweetest smile that reaches her hazel eyes.

“Okay, so I had the speech writer help me make final adjustments to present the bill. You tell me if it sounds right. I want to make sure that I do it justice,” Senator Mitchell says, her hazel eyes full of sincerity.

“Yes ma’am. Read to me what you have.” I sit up straighter and close my notebook, giving my boss my undivided attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I stand before you to introduce the Education Equity and Access Act. As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or zip code, has access to quality education.

“In our nation, no child should be left behind due to inadequate resources or opportunities. This act proposes a comprehensive approach, investing in teacher training and giving our schools the resources needed to ensure that all students succeed in their academics.” She pauses and looks at me for validation. I nod and smile for her to keep going.

“While this bill was inspired by issues found in my state of Alabama – which is currently ranked forty-fifth in education – it will serve children in all fifty states. The Education Equity and Access Act is not just a bill; it is a promise to our children and future generations that we will make sure every student, regardless of their background and upbringing, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. As we head into our recess, I urge you to think about how you grew up and attended school. Think about how your children have grown up and attended school. Think about the current environment that school children are in,” Senator Mitchell concludes.

“You’re going to blow them out of the water.” I smile, feeling it reach my eyes. Senator Mitchell releases a sigh of relief, her shoulders slumping in a relaxing way.

“Thank you, Laila. I appreciate your input. Let’s make sure it gets the attention it deserves and close this session on a high note,” she says, smiling genuinely at me. We both gather our things and make our way to the Senate floor, smiling the entire time.

“Senator, your speech was phenomenal!”

“Eleanor, what an amazing bill!”

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