LEWISTON — Tanya Vanasse, Fear Factor Live champion, was the presenter at the March 10 LA Senior College Food for Thought session held at the LA USM Campus.

Vanasse, who describes herself as a mother, daughter, sister, partner and Auburn resident, with a BA in social and behavioral sciences, said, “Speaking in front of all of you is another ‘fear factor’ for me.”

There were more than 60 in attendance to hear about Vanasse’s experiences in the Endurance Hang, Eel Tank Relay (Part 1: Retrieve bean bags from a tank full of eels and throw them into a bucket being held by a partner, who is suspended in the air; Part 2: Throw “rancid octopuses” into a partner’s bucket while being swung like a pendulum); and the Stunt(wo)man’s Challenge.

While on vacation in Florida in 2013, Vanasse was challenged to try out for the Fear Factor episode and, after some thought, decided, “Why can’t I do this?” She said it was a life-changing, stepping-out-of-my-comfort-zone decision that she is glad she made.

The experience continues to provide her with confidence when faced with difficult decisions or challenges.

She was one of six who made it through the “casting call” phase and into the “prep” phase of the competition. She was provided with a wet suit with disposable underwear to enter the competition. And even though each challenge had been described to her, during the actual competition, there was always “one more thing” to add, such as being rained on or cold wind blowing to throw participants off course.

Prior to the final competition, both contestants were asked why they thought they would win and Vanasse’s opponent said he would crush her in the final. She said, “Wrong, (I will win) because I am a mom!” Her focus during the competition was to demonstrate to her son that anyone can accomplish anything they set their mind to and work hard to achieve it.

On Friday, April 14, Kevin Hancock, chief executive of Hancock Lumber, will share his experience with spasmodic dysphonia, an incurable neurological condition that causes spasms in the vocal cords, during the next Food for Thought luncheon.

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