"Honestly, Iowa checked all of my boxes. I knew I wanted a school where they had a sense of pride in their campus, a school that was well-established and had recognizable programs, a big school with a small-school feel, community and opportunities, and a supportive fan base for sports. On my campus visit, I was able to see my career and personal potential for growth and felt the welcoming atmosphere from staff and students."
After taking AP Psychology in high school, Lauren realized she was fascinated by human behavior, cognition, and mental health. The broad nature of Psychological and Brain Sciences gave her the flexibility to explore many different interests while preparing for a variety of future career paths.
Lauren serves as an Honors Outreach Ambassador, President of STAR, and Vice President of Recruitment within her sorority. These leadership roles have helped her develop confidence while creating opportunities to support and mentor future Hawkeyes.
One of her most memorable experiences came during On Iowa! week. Attending a silent disco with her new roommate helped her build friendships that continued throughout her college career.
A particularly memorable academic experience occurred in a brain biology course when her professor brought in actual brain samples from several species. Seeing concepts from class firsthand made the material come alive in a completely new way.
Lauren's advice is to advocate for yourself. Taking initiative, asking questions, and pursuing opportunities independently can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences in college.