Award-winning yoga and meditation teacher, author, and wellness blogger Rebecca Pacheco '97 spoke to an all-school audience on Tuesday addressing this year's school theme, "Mind Over Matter." Rebecca also met with several classes and teams, spoke with school community members at an evening talk and book-signing, and held a Wednesday morning meditation session with faculty and staff members.

Loomis Chaffee English teacher Jeff Scanlon '79, who taught Rebecca when she was a student at Loomis, introduced her to the convocation audience and shared some of Rebecca's achievements in the years following her graduation. After earning a bachelor's degree in English from University of Richmond, Rebecca went on to become a published author, entrepreneur, and an expert in her field of yoga and meditation training.

"Being here represents my past," said Rebecca, who received a loud cheer when she referenced living in Mason Hall. "Today, I greet you from the future." As an alumna speaking about "life after Loomis," she said, "I know what you are in for, and I am here today to help you have a happier and more successful journey."

Though she works with many different groups of people, including Olympic swimmers, former Navy SEALS, and professional firefighters in her field of yoga and mindfulness training, Rebecca said her goal remains the same: to help people gain a competitive edge in performance by teaching them to become "present" in the moment. Distractions of the mind, such as worrying about the future, revisiting past mistakes, being unable to focus on what is important, and being consumed with self-doubt, hamper our ability to perform at our best, she explained.

"The greatest determinant of success is the quality of your intention," Rebecca stated. "Where will you choose to focus it? Where will you direct your energy, your intention, and your passion?"

She told students that as they pursue their dreams, they will encounter challenges both good and bad, expected and unexpected, and at times they may be confounded, frustrated, or enraged — normal responses to certain situations, she assured students.

"Your heart will break, and your heart will soar over and over," she said and encouraged the audience not to let frustration and anger get in the way of staying strong and focused.

Reflecting on her time at Loomis, Rebecca said she understood her value was determined by her contributions in the classrooms, her "hustle" in sports, and her character in the community. This, in her opinion, is the essence of what the Founders meant by "better and grander lives."

Impressed with the creative and exciting work her former classmates and fellow alumni are doing in the world beyond the Island, Rebecca's message from the future was to assure the students gathered for convocation that this will be their legacy as well.

"We need people across all industries who are exceptional students of the moment," she said.

Defining mindfulness as "paying attention, on purpose, and without judgment," Rebecca explained that the tools she shares for remaining in the moment have been "embraced by science and backed by data" to have measurable benefits, including increased cognitive function, better focus, improved learning ability, better memory, and decreased fear, anxiety, and depression.

Explaining that breath is one of the most important and readily accessible mindfulness tools, Rebecca led the audience through some breathing exercises that they can employ in stressful situations or at times when they wish to focus.

In closing, Rebecca encouraged students from all class years to "dream big," and she reminded them to "remain present and enjoy every chapter of your incredible journey."

Rebecca's message resonated with both students and faculty.

"I appreciated the way she connected with the community and related to our experience as students," said sophomore Tiara Lewis-Fallon after the convocation.

"I really came away with a sense of her journey as a student and as a person," reflected senior Lauren Hinton. "She was incredibly real and genuine about her experience, and that sort of rawness and truth shines through and stands out among other convocations."

Connect to Rebecca's website for more information.

Rebecca's visit was made possible by the Hubbard Speakers Series and the Dominic Failla Fund.