CSM Early College Student Selected as Maryland Student Page

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Early College student Semaj Thomas was one of four students selected to represent Charles County Public Schools in the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program.

The program invites high school seniors from across the state to spend two separate weeks in Annapolis, once during the first half of the legislative session and once in the last, to learn more about the state legislative process firsthand.

Thomas said he was initially on the fence about applying, but because the program is only offered to high school seniors, this was his only chance to participate. He left the program proud of what he accomplished. 

“This program was out of my comfort zone,” Thomas said. “I tried to remember what my parents say, just try. It was an inspiring experience, and a lesson to continue to try new things.”

Thomas said one highlight of his experience was hearing Governor Wes Moore deliver the State of the State address. He was also proud to meet several state leaders, including Gov. Moore, House Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson, as well as representatives from Charles County. The experience left him inspired to participate in local government and encourage other young people to do the same.

Prior to participating in the Student Page program, Thomas was one of five CSM students who participated in Student Advocacy Day. This event brings together community college students from across the state to share their stories and advocate for state support of affordable, high-quality education.

As an Early College Student with Charles County Public Schools, Thomas will graduate from high school and CSM this spring, with a high school diploma and associate degree in business administration.

Each of these experiences, Thomas said, required him to step outside his comfort zone, an accomplishment he’s proud of.

“I’ve always had that curiosity to learn more and try new things, even if I didn’t think I would fit in,” Thomas said. “Why not just try it? It’s really what you make of it. The Page Program opened my eyes to the importance of making connections and showed me there’s more out there than politics.”

Thomas will be continuing his education at the University of Maryland studying mechanical engineering. Inspired by his experience as a Student Page, he hopes to eventually work in engineering and innovation policy development.