Leaders from San Bernardino Valley College's Associated Student Government (ASG) had a trip to Washington, D.C., they'll never forget, filled with workshops, seminars, and a surprise connection between the National Museum of African American History and Culture and SBVC. They traveled to D.C.for the American Student Government Association National Student Government Summit, held Oct. 5-9. At the conference, they met other students from across the United States, as well as some from Egypt, and attended workshops, presentations, and roundtables.

"I learned that student voices need to be heard and the only way that's going to happen is if we actually question, survey, and talk with our students," Student Senator Allison Molina said. Vice President of Student Senate Byron Staford was impressed by the "astounding speakers" who gave presentations, and said he requested copies of their PowerPoints "because there was some hard-hitting information that I would like to convey to the students."

They also had time for sightseeing, and while touring the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Marie Maghuyop, student activities specialist, noticed in the Visual Art exhibit a poster from the 1987 premiere of Beauty Shop held at SBVC. The comedy was written, directed, and produced by Shelly Garrett, "who was disappointed with the lack of roles for African American actors in Hollywood, so he decided to write his own plays," Student Senator Alexus Alcantar said. Beauty Shop became "a national phenomenon," she added. "It is very humbling to be part of this college and makes me proudto be a student at SBVC."