Laura Rizo engaged Western Nevada College students, faculty, and staff during her motivational presentation on Tuesday morning. The CoolSpeak representative grouped attendees and encouraged them to sing as part of her interactive speech titled “Hero’s Journey: Finding the Greatness Inside You,” which held their attention for more than two hours in Marlette Hall.
Rizo, a former teacher and school counselor, shared personal struggles from her past including an absent father, poverty, partying, and depression. Despite these challenges, she focused the College Readiness Education for Students in Transition (CREST) event on the audience.
“People are going to love you for who you are, not what you like. Be your authentic self,” she urged. “Find greatness by just being me. Becoming your own person so you don’t have to listen to what people say about you or what you can’t do.”
Attendees sang songs with words like “Greatness” and “Hero” and discussed the villains and heroes in their lives. Rizo also paired them up to share personal strategies for self-improvement. She used the acronym HERO to promote self-confidence and self-worth.
“You have the resources and strategies to be the best, authentic version of yourself no matter what,” she said. “The hero’s journey is finding the greatness inside you. You’re loved, you’re valued and you can overcome.”
Rizo’s blue T-shirt underscored her message with “Positive” headlined above “Mind,” “Vibes,” and “Life.”
“It was a great event overall for both students and staff,” said WNC Disability Support Services Director Susan Trist. “I thought Rizo’s passion and enthusiasm was contagious, leaving us all feeling empowered and ready to take on new challenges. I appreciated how she provided practical, actionable advice that attendees can start implementing immediately.”
Addressing those experiencing depression, Rizo offered a positive perspective: “It’s a state of mind: I’m not depressed, but I’m going through depression and I’m going to overcome it.” She also encouraged giving compliments: “You never know how quickly you can put a smile on someone’s face.”
A doctoral candidate at National University herself, Rizo inspired attendees to believe in themselves.
“You can do anything you want to do as long as you have a support system; most importantly your own support of yourself,” Rizo said.
