By Catherine Rutter
Special to GoHolyCross.com

Student-athletes from all over campus came together on Monday night, Oct. 5, to listen to four-time nominee for Best Speaker of the Year, Elaine Pasqua talk about alcohol-related issues and sexual assault in college settings. Her charisma and high energy was well received by the students who attended her talk. Although she engaged in a touchy subject, she did so in an appropriate and charming manner, allowing the students to open up conversations on the high risk behavior people may partake in when alcohol comes into the picture.

Pasqua fostered a comfortable environment for the students by using her high energy and personable energy in her talk. She admitted that she wasn't perfect, confessing right off the bat that she had a couple of nights where she wasn't in control of herself in her younger life. Through showing her imperfections, she allowed students to recognize theirs. Now, Pasqua does not drink, and says she admits she doesn't need alcohol to be the life of the party. Senior Allison Hoffman (Hingham, Mass.) on the women's lacrosse team admired her social lifestyle. “I thought it was great how she said that she's been able to maintain an active social life without having alcohol get in the way,” said Hoffman. “She found a husband and still has as much fun as the rest of her friends who do still drink. You could tell that she has no problem being the life of the party with her sense of humor!”

The students were impressed with how relatable Pasqua was in her potentially uncomfortable talk. Junior women's soccer player Maggie Carey (Windham, N.H.) thought that Pasqua was able to smoothly guide the students through the discussion on alcohol and sexual health. “I thought she really dealt with the touchy subjects rather gracefully,” said Carey. “Sometimes speakers have a tendency to recognize the issue at hand without relating to their audience.”

One way Pasqua related to the audience was through different exercises involving the students. By including her interactive exercises, she was able to get her poignant point across while keeping the conversation light and humorous. Carey thought she did so quite masterfully. “She was able to relay her important message about sexual assault and alcohol-related issues while also keeping everyone entertained and a lot of the time even laughing,” she said.

Another endearing aspect of her visit was that Pasqua didn't come to campus to judge or reprimand the students for high-risk behavior that some college students partake in. Senior women's lacrosse goalie Katie Boyle (Devon, Pa.) appreciated this approach. “Elaine didn't judge people for drinking or partying, but instead, she asked us to be aware of our surroundings and look out for others around us when we're out,” said Boyle. “I think that strategy makes me feel like I can have more of an impact on my classmates if I were to witness something unsettling.” Boyle also appreciated her positive energy. “I liked how when talking about sexual assault, she framed the idea that 93%-94% of the men are good,” said Boyle. “I like those good vibes!”

At times, however, the students were alarmed with Pasqua's hard facts on sexual assault and alcohol consumption. Senior football player Ryan Smith (Union, Ky.) in particular was unsettled with the statistics she presented on sexual assault and the consumption of alcohol in order to be more comfortable around others. “I was surprised at how often sexual assaults are occurring on college campuses,” said Smith. “I thought it was very interesting and sad that studies showed that many college students drink because they are not comfortable in social settings.”

One of Pasqua's most important takeaway points was for students to help prevent sexual assault and alcohol abuse on campus. Senior lacrosse player Margie Smith (Mountain Lakes, N.J.) was happy that she wasn't there to frighten the students with horrific stories of what could potentially go awry on college campuses. “Instead of just talking about the dangers of sexual assault and feeding us stories to scare us, Elaine gave us ways to be aware of the situation at hand so we can help prevent sexual assault on our own campus,” said Smith. Junior baseball player Joe Cravero (Hanover, N.H.) took away the same message. "She made important points about looking out for your friends at parties and the dangers surrounding alcohol," said Cravero.

At the end of the day, Pasqua had the students walking away with valuable lessons on socializing responsibly and looking out for one another. Junior lacrosse player Tess MacKay (Simsbury, Conn.) reflected on her responsibilities when hanging out with friends after listening to Pasqua. “The talk helped me understand how important it is to be more aware of your surroundings and to always look out for each other, no matter what setting you're in," said MacKay.

Pasqua touched the student-athletes on campus by relating to them and opening herself up to them. Her discussion on the relationship of alcohol and sexual assault is sure to keep the students aware of their surroundings, looking out for themselves and each other when out in social settings. 

Nathan Pine, Elaine Pasqua & Brendan Sullivan