Last night was a time warp for me. I headed back to a place that I called home for four years. At the time, being 22 years old, four years of college was a long period in my 22 year old life, right? Fourteen years later I realize how short a blip on the radar of life college really was…and yet being on the Quad at LaSalle’s campus brought me back in a blink. Looking around at all the ornate brick buildings, the steady stream of students moving in and out of them was as if I had taken the DeLorean and turned back the clock.
As I approached the Union building I met, Elise, the sophomore whom had scheduled my speaking engagement for the Public Relations Students, she gave me a big hug and smile. I felt my mouth begin to dry up and the sudden urge to find the nearest bathroom…typical stage jitters. I used to be that way on the start line when I ran track in high school too, I guess some things never change. Although they do. I embraced that feeling of good healthy nerves, I was excited to be able to speak to these students. And reminded that I am not 22 when Elise announces that “Lauren was nominated this year as the 20 under 40 in South Jersey”, I followed her sentiments with, “I was just glad to be under 40”, laughing off my jitters.
I had typed up some notes that I had hoped to cover with the class and left them in my car. Halfway across the busy street in the pouring rain with the wind blowing sideways, I knew I didn’t need the notes. I began to share my experiences in my career working in pharmaceuticals and non-profit, the similarities and the differences, and that most of us will certainly not stay at the same job like our parents in our careers. And when I heard myself speaking I could picture me out there in the audience. The 22 year old version. Afterwards the students had some great questions, I ended up at the bookstore and buying my daughter her first Mommy’s College Alma Mater t-shirt, and my dad who is an Alum, a knit hat. I felt proud. Proud about where I had come, and where I am today. This was a teaching moment for me.
Advice for my 22 Year Old Self:
1) Be Genuine. People will respect you for it.
2) Be fearless with your creativity. The more you use, the more you will have…
3) Own Your Story. No matter what you have been through in your life. You are unique. You are what makes you different than the 70 others going for that job, writing that book, sharing your story. Owning it not only sets you apart from the rest, it will empower you and lift you up. So don’t be afraid to own ALL of your story.
4) As a few good college friends reminded me. Black “Hot” pants are not cool to wear, other than Yoga.
5) The 90s version of yourself is cool, even if you didn’t think it at the time, don’t try too hard.
6) Apparently overalls will come back in fashion, just don’t make it yours again.
7) Getting up at 5am to row on the Schuylkill River is bad ass. Own that you did it. Just please don’t try it again in your 30s, ok.
8) When you meet your future husband at PJ Whelihans, for the love of God do not tie the cherry stems in your mouth with him as a contest.
9) If you think time management is hard now, try being a mom in your 30s, having a career, and keeping up with life. Cherish the friendships with your girlfriends. Even the ones you don’t see.
10) Years later when you visit LaSalle in your thirties. Be sure to take it in. Go back to those friendships, awesome moments, and even the tough ones….be grateful for them all. Because it has led you to HERE.
**As an aside, I would just like to dedicate the post to my brother who is an inspiration to my family with his pursuit on his Phd. and nearing the end of his dissertation. To be able to make an impact as a professor will be lasting. I can still remember those memorable names, Dr. Javie, Dr. Gauss. Brother Jerry….So thank you Jim for inspiring the next generations and leaving lasting impressions on them.