KEYLA HOLMES &
OLLA MOKHTAR
campus editors

Change, in its many forms, can cultivate the space for growth and new ideas, which was the theme for the TEDx event April 6 on NE Campus.

Students and faculty could learn about various issues, creating the opportunity for them to engage with new ideas and become active in their communities, according to TEDx’s mission statement.  

Presenters from TCC and around North Texas participated in the event held in the Fine Arts Theater.

NE psychology professor Jeanell Buck was one of the coordinators organizing the event and provided insight on the theme, “Ever Changing World.”

 “We really wanted to talk about change,” she said. “Every person was talking about how knowledge helps us change, and that was part of our process. I think it went well.”

Cheryl North, NE sociology instructor and TEDx team member, said how students and staff can benefit from being included in TED conversations.

 “TED is such an institution,” she said. “I think we all have heard them [TED Talks] in classrooms and have learned things that were new. It’s important that TCC be in on that a little bit and to bring that right here at home to our students.”

Jasmine McGowan, a volunteer, has always been interested in astrophysics as a child and even owned a few telescopes. She believed the presentation ‘What color is the Sun?’ by Raymond Benge,  NE associate professor of physics and astrology, related to her most.

“It shows that even things we assume are facts are not and we should always be open to new knowledge and ideas,” she said.

Raymond Turner, the producer of Sparklefly recording studio at Cook Children’s Medical Center, explained why music is essential in everyone’s life.

With the early passing of his infant daughter, he realized the best way that he could continue her legacy was to see the light in himself. To tell others about her story, fulfilling his promise to never forget her.

“Music to me is life-blowing,” he said. “Without it, I don’t think much would still exist. It is like air and water, and really, I think there’s so much that’s powered by music that we don’t even realize. I don’t think we can survive without it.”

 Despite all of the potential stressors college students may experience, Turner said it’s important for students to prioritize staying connected to what drives them.

“What do I find myself dreaming about in those unguarded moments when I’m sitting in class and the professor is going on and on, where does my heart drift to?” he said. “It’s never too early, especially in college, that’s the time to really start to hone in on ‘What is my passion?’”

NE student Amy Ramirez said music allows people to express what they can’t put into words, and that people are “sparkle flies” because everyone experiences hardship.

“Every human being has to overcome certain difficulties in life, and it’s always great to have the mindset of perseverance,” she said.

Another presenter that experienced hardship is Keidrian Brewster, who discussed the idea of change and the fact that everyone is capable of transformation.

“I want people to know the power of transformation,” he said. “The power of investing in themselves and creating a person they deem fit for themselves as far as who they want to become – I’d tell them to create that.” 

Authoring two books, he provided more insight into his life after incarceration named “From the Rec Yard to the Streets” and “From the Streets to the Suits.”

Tigi Vinson, a foster care advocate who has personal experience with the system, said change is necessary and students can be a part of that. 

“I think a lot of students would be surprised with how many individuals going to school here have had an experience with foster care,” she said. “So I think it’s worthwhile to look into and discover what you can do to advocate for them [foster kids] as well.” 

 Eduardo Chávez, special agent in charge, leads the Dallas division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and emphasized the importance of educating people, especially college students, on the dangers of Fentanyl. 

“I think overall it affects everybody. It’s in every neighborhood,” he said. “It’s not somebody else’s problem. It’s our problem. And because it’s been so prevalent all over the country, it’s something that I think is important.”

Other presentations included ‘Can We be Optimistic About the Future?’, ‘What Color is the Sun?’, ‘Command presence: Learning How to See Gray’, ‘Everyone Needs a Fool in Their Life’ and others, including Movers Unlimited’s “Dancing Without Limits” with their dance performance. These presentations will eventually be made available on YouTube. 

NE adjunct mental health instructor Rochelle Turner expressed her admiration for Ted Talks and how she thought they helped people see that people have similar journeys.

“Every journey is not straight, and every journey isn’t supposedly good like we think of ourselves,” she said. “We all make mistakes, and we all can recover from them. Experiences can refine us without defining us, and I think these presenters really showed that.”