Lauren Steed
Digital Media Communications Major, Chattanooga, Tenn.
When sophomore Lauren Steed began looking for a college, Union seemed like a natural choice. While Steed鈥檚 decision to come to Union was easy, Union is ultimately the place where Steed has grown in leadership and refined her talents.
鈥淚n high school 鈥� I tried to avoid leadership positions and anything that had to do with being out there in front of people,鈥� Steed said.
Steed now serves as the newly elected vice president of Union鈥檚 Student Activities Council as well as a member of Sophomore Council and continues to grow in leadership while at Union.
鈥淓ver since I got to Union, I tried to grow in leadership skills,鈥� Steed said. 鈥淚 feel like Union has helped me grow in that and helped me become more connected and be OK putting myself out there and trying new things, because I feel like it鈥檚 a very safe community to do that in.鈥�
In addition to growing in leadership, Steed has discovered new talents through taking diverse classes as a digital media communications major.
鈥淢y 鈥楶hoto 1鈥� class was the first time I鈥檝e really picked up a camera,鈥� Steed said.
Now a student photographer, Steed credits her professors for encouraging her creative potential and connecting her with opportunities that have allowed her to grow as a storyteller and communicator.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e just given me different opportunities to continue to grow and realize [photography鈥檚] a passion of mine, and they鈥檝e helped me gain experience,鈥� Steed said. 鈥淚 really like how I鈥檝e been able to connect with my professors and how they鈥檝e seen potential.鈥�
Steed also shared that finding a Christian community amongst friends at Union has inspired her in her spiritual walk and encouraged her church involvement.
鈥淢y friends are very grounded in their faith and ask good questions and deep questions. They push me to continue developing my faith,鈥� Steed said.
As Steed continues to grow spiritually and creatively, she has begun to think about her 海角乱伦社区 goals after graduation. She hopes to one day work for a nonprofit organization like Samaritan鈥檚 Purse and use her creative skills to help others.
By Avery Chenault (鈥�24)