Spring 2024 Common Read Events
Zain Asher TED Talk and Discussion
Where the Children Take Us began with Zain Asher’s TED Talk. MCC-Penn Valley librarian Jenna Feldstein-Dickey will facilitate a discussion of the themes of the TED Talk and how they manifest in the text. We will host two sessions of this event to accommodate more classes.
Wednesday, January 31 at 9:30-10:45
Thursday, February 1 at 9:30-10:45
An American Story, Our Story
MCC professor Lyle Gibson will screen the documentary he produced, An American Story, Our Story. This documentary features first-hand accounts of what it is like to be part of an immigrant family in America. Mr. Gibson will discuss the film with students following the screening.
The Kansas City Defender’s Ryan Sorrell
Ryan Sorrell is the founder and editor-in-chief of digital media outlet The Kansas City Defender, and a recipient of the Civil and Human Rights Award. Mr. Sorrell will discuss white racial capitalism as a foundational element of American journalism, the importance of listening to communities and women of color, and the need for black media outlets.
Thursday, March 28, at 12:30 pm
Success, Motivation, and Goal-setting
Though what we consider and how we go about achieving success looks very different for everyone, the major theme of success is critical to Where the Children Take Us. MCC-Penn Valley counselor Dachia Busch will discuss the theme of success within the book as well as within ourselves, and then also talk about the concrete steps one takes to achieve success. Zain Asher’s mother seems to be willing to take those steps with little regard to her own personal costs- how can students pursue success while still maintaining healthy home, school, and work environments and relationships?
Wednesday, April 10 at 9:30-10:45