By Victoria Cruz
News Writer
On Thursday, April 16, University Access Programs hosted the first installment of a threepart dining and educational series. Titled Pathways to Success, the goal of the series is to engage students in a new and unique way.
“We wanted to do something that could directly impact the students. These are all skills that will transfer into their future careers,” social work major and event organizer Alyssa McGregor, a senior, said.
The first installment, Legendary: How Any Student Can Become a Legendary Leader, was presented by Lamarr Womble.
Womble is a nationally acclaimed speaker and life coach whose expertise is in becoming the best version of yourself.
His message has been shared with over 60,000 educators, students and professionals since 2008.
Womble opened the event by stating that passion, mindset and leading others impacts leadership.
He encouraged students to look inward to figure out how passion manifests into a mindset.
Statistics shared during the event stated that 79% of Generation Z youth have experienced loneliness or are currently lonely.
Womble believes this number is significantly high because many young people struggle with self-esteem issues.
“Unless you believe you are worthy of that love, that you are deserving of that love, then none of that will matter,” Womble said.
Womble outlined that the basis of leadership should be reflected by students’ passion and drive.
“Define yourself by who you are, not what you do. What you do is part of who you are; it is not who you are,” Womble said.
Womble said that his upbringing in Nebraska allowed him to develop this mindset. Growing up, he was not accepted by his peers, and that influenced how he had to overcome his challenges.
“All it takes is one question about who you are to impact your confidence,” Womble said.
Womble said that finding his passion led him to discovering a welcoming community and ultimately built his confidence.
Womble also revealed that his passion saved him, even when it was not what he pursued in his career.
“You never know what you’re going to get on the backside of that opportunity. Sometimes, you got to go to see what you might learn that can possibly change your life,” Womble said.
Womble said that sharing his story made it easier to confront how it impacted him.
Womble underlined that vulnerability became a strength to overcome negativity.
“Until you start taking accountability for the things that have happened, your part in those things, you’ll never be able to move on mentally,” Womble said.
Womble said that security in his identity helped him move past things that have happened both emotionally and mentally.
He then transitioned the event into a workshop. Students used the lessons from Womble’s seminar and applied it to their own lives.
Attendees were asked to reflect about who they are based on their values, philosophies, boundaries, impact, fears and goals.
Sociology major Jade Rose Robinson, a freshman, said that she learned a lot from Womble’s advice.
“I’m definitely going to be taking away the emphasis on values. I feel like I haven’t really been focused on that a lot because I have so many classes,” Robinson said.
Robsinon said that she plans to showcase the most important parts of herself.
The second installment will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 3:00 p.m. in the School of Business Community Room, featuring speaker and consultant Chris Collins.
The last session is April 30 at 3:00 p.m. in the Connecticut Hall Seminar Room, hosted by financial literacy speaker MJ Bridges.
“If you’re just looking for a place to support you, affirm you and accept you, UAP is it for you,” McGregor said.
