UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – When State of State organizers began recruiting speakers for their annual conference, Amanda Nelson immediately knew she had the perfect story to share.
Nelson, 37, spent 17 years of her life dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. After her recovery, she began her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies through Penn State World Campus.
“I’m speaking about how you have the power to change somebody by the words you speak to them,” Nelson said. “My drug dealer did that for me when I was at my lowest point in life. He told me I was beautiful and that I had great things to do in this world. And I just held onto those words and ran with them.
“It gave me the courage to change my life.”
Nelson will share her story of overcoming addiction at State of State, a student-run event aimed at facilitating discussion about important Penn State-related issues. Nelson is one of 10 speakers at the annual conference, which will take place from 3-7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 31 at The State Theatre in State College.
The event is free. State of State will also stream the speeches on Facebook Live.
Nelson said this year’s theme, “State of Change,” presented the perfect platform for her message.
“Whenever I first became a student, I reached out to a couple of people to see how I could share my story,” she said. “I’m a huge advocate for addiction awareness, so when I saw this opportunity, I just jumped on it.”
Nelson will travel from her home in St. Petersburg, Florida, to speak at the conference.
After graduating, Nelson plans to continue spreading her message of positivity by helping others overcome addiction and achieve their full potential.
“According to the world's standards and statistics, I shouldn't even be in college right now,” she said. “I can't put into words how grateful I am to have a second chance on life. It wasn't supposed to happen for me. Going from no one believing in me to having a whole army stand beside me gives me so much confidence and courage to chase every one of my dreams.”
Visit the State of State website for more information about the event.