Those of you who remember Lauren McPherson will never forget her boundless energy and indomitable spirit.  Although Lauren’s life has changed dramatically in the last fours years, her energy and ambition have not.   Lauren has graduated from college, is working fulltime in the health care field, and is looking to a career in law and psychology.

At the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Lauren was a University Scholar and a dean’s list student.  She double majored in psychology and sociology/criminal justice.   While in college, she worked with the psychology department as a research assistant, video coder, and transcriber.  Lauren reports that the academics at U Mass were challenging and she had to work extremely hard to stay on the dean’s list.  Without hesitation, she added, “I loved U Mass Amherst.  It was a wonderful experience and I made life-long friendships.” 

This summer, she began working as a billing specialist at the Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center in Waltham. She works specifically for the Women’s Health Network, which provides medical services for underinsured women.  Lauren says that she loves the work and is very impressed with the valuable service they provide to women in greater Boston. 

Lauren’s social conscience and interest in criminal justice is leading her to consider law school in the future.   Her goal is to become a legal advocate for people who are in need of legal advice but cannot afford the cost.  Those of us who have known Lauren since her BEA days have no doubt that she will shine. (Remember: BEA Star!)

Click to see previously highlighted alumni

Sulaiman Abdul-Musawwir, '04

Isabel Garcia, '02