Students, faculty and administrators at Montgomery County Community College took part in the first-ever TEDxMontco program at the Blue Bell Campus.

The program featured Computer Science student Alyssa Long, Medical Assisting Assistant Professor Shauna LaMagna, Math Assistant Professor Dr. Durrell Jones and Dean of Students Dr. Samuel Coleman.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to extend learning for our students beyond the classroom,” said MCCC President Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez.

“You have the privilege of engaging in this activity today with students, administrators and faculty. Not only here on our Blue Bell Campus in Pennsylvania but around the world.”

Long’s presentation, “Imposter Syndrome” focused on her personal journey toward gaining self-confidence, especially following the pandemic.

LaMagna’s presentation looked at finding ways to treat her personal struggles with anxiety and depression by exploring the complementary therapy Reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing.

Jones presented on “COVID’s Impact on Young Black Men’s Participation in Community College Development Mathematics.”

Coleman’s focused on fighting depression and self acceptance.

Arts and Culture Program Coordinator Iain Campbell was the event’s master of ceremonies. Former Student Government Association President Jenny Nguyen provided the welcome message. She was responsible for bringing TEDx to the college.

Inspired by the popular TED talks series, “TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover ‘ideas worth spreading.”

TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organized by passionate individuals who seek to “uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas that spark conversations in their communities,” according to its website.

Read more about the first ever TEDx event at Montco on mc3.edu.

About Montgomery County Community College

For more than a half century, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The college’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the college’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online.

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to remove barriers to access, improve learning outcomes, and increase completion for all students. The college also is recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service-learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For six years, MCCC has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges in the nation by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for its commitment to diversity through inclusive learning and work environments, student and staff recruitment and retention practices, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities.

For more information, visit the college website.