Nervous and not knowing what to expect as a non-traditional student, Barry Hunsberger navigated his way through his earliest days at Montgomery County Community College with the help of staff, faculty and fellow students.

Hunsberger graduated from Methacton Senior High School in 1994 and attended Antonelli Art Institute for fashion photography but dropped out when his money ran out. He worked for and owned a variety of businesses including 13th Child Entertainment, an events and promotion company that he started. In 2009, he was involved in a serious car accident in which his back and neck were broken; he sustained permanent muscle and nerve damage through 80 percent of his body.

“I was completely lost. The life I knew was over and I had to figure out how to start over, discover a new path and start paving it,” Hunsberger says. “I decided I needed to go back to school to learn new business and marketing techniques.”

The Trooper, PA resident chose Montco for its locale. He credits the Summer Bridge Program, which is part of the ACT 101 Scholars Program, with teaching him about different aspects of the college experience, including, and most importantly for him, financial aid, loans and scholarships.

Hunsberger says the ACT 101 advisors put everything in layman’s terms, breaking down the complex material and putting him “on the track to success.”

“The Summer Bridge Program was the key to my success here,” Hunsberger says. “Without Dr. Craig Smith and Lesley Osias standing beside me, encouraging me and believing in me, I would not have made it to where I am today.”

The Summer Bridge Program was the key to my success here. Without Dr. Craig Smith and Lesley Osias standing beside me, encouraging me and believing in me, I would not have made it to where I am today.

Hunsberger is now back on track, paving his path toward success in school and life. Hunsberger, 42, works as a professional photographer specializing in fashion photography, while majoring in Management. He is co-president of Phi Beta Lambda, the Treasurer for the Student Government Association and a member of the Student Life Committee. He works with The Montgazette, the student newspaper, writing articles and taking photos, and is a DJ once a week on MontcoRadio, the student-run radio station.

Additionally, he has been on the Dean’s list for three consecutive semesters, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year schools, and was chosen to represent Montco as part of the All USA Community College Academic Team—one of only five students chosen from the College.

Hunsberger has received several accolades for his academic work at Montco from Pennsylvania State Senators and the House of Representatives. State Representative Marcy Toepei recognized him in a recent newsletter.

Hunsberger has represented the Montco chapter of PBL at the State and National Leadership conferences in 2018 and 2019. His participation with PBL runs deep and he encourages everyone to join.

“No matter where you go or what you do, business skills are needed,” he says. “You have to know how to talk to people or problem-solve and many other things, all which stem from learning business basics.”

After all that Montco has done for him, Hunsberger would like to help future generations of Montco students, and he would like to work for the College after he graduates in Spring 2020.

His mantra is simple: “Make small, attainable goals to energize yourself moving forward. Celebrate the little victories. If you want to be great, you need to work hard!”