BSCTC STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN IDEA STATE U COMPETITION

A group of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) students are creating a virtual gaming experience like none other.

And they pitched it at a regional entrepreneur contest in hopes of turning their dream into a reality.

Lauren Bowling, Brian Adkins and Scott Daniels, all students from the Pikeville campus, participated in the Idea State U competition held on the Prestonsburg campus on Wednesday, March 30. Idea State U is a program sponsored by the Kentucky Innovation Network.

The students competed with others from regional universities for a $5,000 prize to help get their project off the ground.

Fading Light: Virtual Wellness Series is designed to help those coping with the daily stressors of life as a teen or tween, such as self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and social anxiety, a way to cope through the interaction of virtual gaming.

Bowling, a 19-year old from Belfry, was the team lead. The project was personal for her, as she has dealt with issues regarding self-esteem and confidence.

I wanted to help kids who are going through some of the same issues that I have gone through, said Bowling. This is a way for kids, who might not necessarily go to their parents for help, to reach out and get the help they need.
Adkins, who is part of the creative team helping to design and write the game, said that though he has never built a game before, he aspires to be a writer and has enjoyed the process.

Ive also dealt with some of the issues, and I want people to know that it is ok to ask for help, he said.

Daniels is very optimistic about the potential of success for their venture. An avid gamer, he said video games have an impact on people, both good and bad. He feels this product will make a difference in the lives of those who decide to play and learn.

I can see this turning into a very helpful tool, Daniels said. I plan to enlist in the Army and hopefully become an officer and I would love to see this become something available to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Students Eli Griffith and Destiny Durham are also participating in the project. They were unable to attend the Idea State U Competition.

For more information about the Idea U State challenge you can visit them online at http://www.ideastateu.com/