College students encouraged to 'be the leaders of their lives'

She spoke Tuesday night to parents and educators and also addressed Project Strive/TRiO students and Residence Life Staff in private sessions.

Billie Knifong, manager of Residence Life Programs, hosted Pascucci on campus as part of Women's History Month. The Galaxy Series, Diversity Committee, Project Strive and Residence Life Association co-sponsored the event.

During the first portion of her presentation, “Get Perfectly Imperfect and Lead,” she discussed many possible reasons why young women doubt themselves and push themselves to do more until they eventually become overwhelmed and feel exhausted.

“When young women are told we can do anything, we too often hear that we have to do everything,” Pascucci said, paraphrasing author and speaker Courtney Martin.

She acknowledged much of the pressure to pursue perfection is internal rather than external.

Pascucci said she idolized her grandfather who was a teacher. In 2002 while in an Intensive Care Unit, he joked with the nurses about score of football games and told Pascucci to go outside since was 80 degrees on a fall day in Buffalo.

“That day I decided to live my life a different way, to be uninhibited like a child, not afraid of failure,” she said.

“Remember and reaffirm that you are the leader of your own life. We have choices and don't have to always do what others expect. Say ‘no’ to unrealistic expectations. Fill yourself up with self-care and serve others with the overflow.”

Sharing her love of history Pascucci highlighted the 30-yer collaboration between Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony as one of the most productive working partnerships in our country’s history.

“We can leverage other people's strengths in areas where we are weaker. We don’t have to do it all,” she said.

Negative self-talk is a key area of change to reduce stressful feelings, Pascucci said.

“Instead of thinking, ‘What if I fail? What if something bad happens?’ Flip it around, plant your own seeds for success by focusing on positive outcomes. It gets easier with time. The more you do it the better you become. Acknowledge yourself, your accomplishments and gifts and give yourself permission to celebrate,” she said.

During the second portion of her program, “Success Starts with Self-Love,” she discussed the importance of eating enough vegetables and fruits and adequate sleep.

Pascucci, who will be certified by the Institute of Transformational Nutrition within the next month, said only about five to six percent of college men and women eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables.

“If you can pronounce it, eat it. If you can't, don't. Eat whole foods,” she said.

She reviewed the prevailing approach to women as objects or property in popular music videos and other forms of media. Pascucci shared a music video spoof by one of her friends about the unreal beauty of magazine cover models.

“Love your body for all the ways it serves you if you want to lose weight because you want more energy that's fine but don't be compelled to change your body so others will love you or because you don't feel worthy of love,” she said.

She warned about the dangers of comparing oneself with others since it often leads to feelings of inadequacy. Most people tend to compare their worst attributes with others’ highlight reels, she said.

“Question the voice of the inner critic. Consider where it come from and how well those negative beliefs serve you. Assess your relationships. Have the courage to distance yourself from bad friends and ask mentors for help,” she said.

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator