A Drummer, Old Man, & the Whale: Trauma & Growth | Laura McCullough | TEDxBrookdaleCommunityCollege
Laura’s compelling narrative intertwines loss, healing, and the awe of natural encounters. Explore how profound moments with nature and people inspire hope and foster a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries. A veteran educator with 25 years of teaching experience, Laura is a full professor of English at Brookdale Community College and has taught at Stockton and Ramapo. Specializing in trauma-informed, emotionally literate curricula, she emphasizes intra- and interpersonal development to help students find meaning and purpose. Her teaching spans writing, research, critical theory, and creative writing, focusing on self-discovery through language.An inaugural fellow in Brookdale’s Center for Transformative Learning, she founded CONNECTIONS, a peer support network for educators. A candidate for the Doctorate in Medical Humanities at Drew University, her research explores care ethics and inherited trauma.Her poetry collections include The Resurrection Jar, Women & Other Hostages, and The Wild Night Dress. A three-time NJ State Arts Council Fellow, she has received fellowships from Bread Loaf and Virginia Center for the Arts. She also edited A Sense of Regard and The Room and the World. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 7:56Wandering and Wondering is Still Part of the Plan | Vincy Khor | TEDxPOWIIS YouthIndecisiveness can sometimes bring better opportunities. In Vincy's case, hesitantly joining her school's LEO Club (the junior chapter of Lions Club International) in order "to enhance her curriculum vitae" has led her on a remarkable journey of growth. From student leadership roles to a corporate training internship serving Fortune 500 companies, her transformation from self-conscious to self-assured underscores the importance of taking the first step towards change.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx An alumni of Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) Balik Pulau, Penang, Vincy was the founding president of the school's Soft Skills Committee and pivotally engaged in the revival of the LEO Club of POWIIS after the COVID-19 pandemic. She was the 2024 recipient of the school's Couzens Award for all-round excellence. Since graduating from secondary school, Vincy has taken a gap year which led her to an internship opportunity at a company training corporate clients from Fortune 500 companies. Embarking soon on her undergraduate studies, she believes in the power of taking the first step as embracing opportunities opens up better doors. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 3:21Where have All the Turtles Gone? | Hanson Chen & Hao Ran Yee | TEDxPOWIIS YouthMembers of the Prince of Wales Island International School Marine Conservation enrichment activity engaged in a year-long commitment towards research and hands-on activities to rehabilitate the coastal environment of Penang. As part of their research presentation for the school's STEM carnival, Hanson and Hao Ran shared their findings on the impact of human activity towards sea turtles and how society can help to halt their decline in numbers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx Hanson is a student at Prince of Wales Island International School Balik Pulau, Penang. He has a strong interest in Science and joining the Marine Conservation enrichment activity has strengthened his resolve to protect the oceans.Hao Ran is a student at Prince of Wales Island International School Balik Pulau, Penang. His experience participating in the Marine Conservation enrichment activity has enhanced his interest in Science and he enjoys taking part in the various activities that are aimed at rehabilitating the seas around Penang. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx