The Student Voice of Austin Community College District
Student Government Association takes on Washington DC
Photo Story by: Nikoo Vafaee
Hello Washington DC! The E-board members from ACC’s Student Government Association recently took a trip to Washington DC to attend the American Student Government Association conference. The conference was located in their hotel which included daily workshops on how to better their leadership, make connections, and more! After all the training they then got to explore many historical sites. Come along and see some photos of Washington DC!
Manthurs Oseni, Secretary (SGA), arrived at the Baltimore/Washington DC train station feeling empowered. The different atmosphere felt cold along with heavy winds from the passing trains. Manthurs says, “I felt like I was myself, waiting for the train we did a photo shoot just because we were so excited!” At the time of the shoot, the station was clear of people which gave SGA the chance to take photogenic shots.
Welcome to Washington DC! The next morning SGA takes a stroll to visit Texas congressman Doggett’s office. To dress the part, SGA wore their business outfits got to enjoy the beautiful sights like the capitol which was only a few blocks away from their hotel.
From left to right, Manthurs, Mohammed, Noble, Nikoo, Mical, and Precious attended a meeting with Texas Congressman’s staff member, Sarah Laven. She began a career in teaching then transitioned to working for the political offices. Ms. Laven answered some of SGA’s questions relating to the education system, financial aid, and international students. Mical, Vice- President (SGA), says,” It was good and informational, she was a kind person because she started as a teacher so she related to student’s viewpoints.”
Photoshoot at the capitol! On the way back to their hotel, SGA took the time to take some memorable shots in front of the capitol. President of SGA, Noble Udoh, felt empowered while standing where other politicians have stood. The area was filled with tourists, so the best angle to take photos was to look up to the capitol. Noble looks engaged, strong, and motivated! Just like a president, don’t ya think?
Time for some sightseeing! SGA got to enjoy a view of the Washington Monument and a fun fact, the monument was dedicated to the nation’s first president, George Washington. As the sunset, SGA members finally got to spend time outside of their professional setting. They all could say that Saturday was a start to a fun friendly group. After all like how SGA President Noble said, “Knowing, valuing, and spending time with your team is gold!”
Peaceful riot! On Saturday the 13th, the Kurdish community gathered in front of the White House. This was to demand US President Donald Trump to take action against the ongoing Turkish military operation in north-eastern Syria. These two men paint red on their faces and proudly hold their flag hoping for President Trump to help the Kurdish community.
A union of flags! A man wearing a traditional Kurdish outfit has put the Kurdish flag along with the USA flag together to symbolize their need for an ally to stop this war with Syria and the Turks.
Where history was made into stone! SGA got to visit the massive Lincoln Memorial. SGA got to walk the long path into the memorial and got to meet Lincon face to face… well, the stone version anyway. Nikoo, the Historian, says, “ I believe the long path to the memorial represented the hard and long work one much go through to finally get to their goal. As you see the view from the top you will see how far you’ve gone.”
Lincoln 24/7 view! Sitting at the top of the Lincoln memorial right where Martin Luther King Jr gave his ‘I have a dream..’ speech was a restful break from a long walk up. Nikoo says, “The energy in the air felt empowering and I spiritually felt in the presence of history.”
Goodbye DC! As SGA caught their flight back home to Austin, they had to say a quick goodbye and thank you for welcoming them with open arms. A goodbye message from Precious, the Parliamentarian, says, “There was so much more to explore in the capital. You do not get to see the enormous statues of MLK and Lincoln every day. However, I do get to see Austin every day. That means more opportunities to make a difference every single day. I left DC with dreams bigger than Texas!” SGA is now motivated more than ever to help their students better their college.
