Villanova is often perceived as a highly rigorous, academic-focused institution, with an emphasis on school spirit and high achievement. Another aspect that makes Villanova unique without a fault is the different backgrounds and life experiences from which every student comes. For alumna Tracy Viola, her path to Villanova is not only unique, but it also inspired her soon to be published novel, Pretty Wrecked.
Pretty Wrecked is an autobiography in which Viola follows her own path to sobriety at a young age. Viola, who has been sober since the age of 19, was inspired to write this novel, in order to showcase that it is okay to speak about addiction, and to share both the best and worst parts of individuals’ lives.
“People remember stories, and it is important to have these conversations and to learn from others and their backgrounds,” Viola said to The Villanovan.
As a teenager, Viola battled her own addictions, and when she was 19, she finally became sober from all substances. After reaching sobriety, and finishing her high school education, Viola applied to college, and at first was rejected from Villanova.
After advocating for herself in front of the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Viola was accepted to Villanova, and began her college career during a time in which there was an increase in peer pressure and societal stigma around addiction less than two years into her sobriety and recovery.
“You can come into recovery young, stay sober, and still have fun,” Viola said.
In hope of inspiring the next generation to learn about the harms of addiction, as well as teaching young teenagers and adults to learn that it is okay, encouraged even, to advocate for their needs and need for help, Viola wishes her work will help readers recognize that the created stigma regarding mental and physical health needs to be changed, in order to get individuals the help and chance at recovery that she received.
“Anyone who wants to make a change can,” Viola said.
In college, Viola partook in peer education groups around healthy living and substance use education, leading her into her passion to helping and educating others. After graduating from Villanova, Viola earned her Masters from Temple, and began work in the field of Psychology.
Last year, Viola had an epiphany that she was meant to share her story. She went from not talking about her issues with addiction and substance use, to being vocal about this part of her past.
“It is okay to talk about your story, and it is important to have these conversations, to learn from others and their backgrounds,” she said.
“My hope for Pretty Wrecked is that people do not see these things with a negative light,” Viola said. “It happens, and we need to spread light and awareness. By being open with my story, I hope to encourage others to do the same, and to help others learn to be mindful and respect the different backgrounds everyone comes from.”
From starting the process only within this past year, Pretty Wrecked is set to hit shelves on April 9, and is currently available for presale.
