Stacey Kole, the 1998 Miss Arizona USA, asked students Tuesday night to throw away their preconceptions about beauty queens as she spoke about the pressures the beauty industry had in her battle with anorexia.

“I want to bring a message of hope to college women,” Kole said. “My goal is to help them find fulfillment in all areas of life.”

Kole said that after experiencing an eating disorder, she has spent the past 10 years traveling the country and educating women on eating disorders and its prevention.

“Approximately 1 in 5 college women have an eating disorder, and about 1 in 3 have an eating issue,” Kole said. “There’s a huge need for education on college campuses.”

Kole said she found spriritual happiness through her relationship with Christ as she struggled with her body image.

Kole was invited to speak at TCU by Campus Crusade for Christ. The event was co-sponsored by the Panhellenic Council.

Kyrsten Roberts, associate campus director for Campus Crusade for Christ, said they contacted Kole to speak on self-worth issues and the dangers of eating disorders.

“I hope girls will learn tonight that they are full of worth in the sight of God, and not in the eyes of the world that tells them to be thin,” Roberts said.

Freshman religion major Laura Hagadone said she came to hear Kole speak because she was interested in learning more about eating disorders and how to provide help if a friend is in need.

“I definitely think this is an important issue at TCU,” Hagadone said. “And I want to be able to help others if they need me.”