Student Spotlight: Lauren Sanford

What is your major?
Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Where are you from?
Gig Harbor, Wash. (but I did my undergrad at Baylor University!)

What is your tribal affiliation?
Eskimo Inupiaq

Tell us about your academic/career goals or why you chose your career path?
I want to be a speech language pathologist because I believe language is the most essential aspect of the human experience. I want to help others with speech and language impairments communicate their thoughts, advocate for themselves and form relationships – all of which are important aspects of my life! Right now, I am hoping to work with the pediatric population because of the possibility for growth throughout their lifetime. I also just really enjoy the excitement and energy that working with kids involves!

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I’m most productive in the library by the windows, but I also really love the Fresh Plate Cafe in SAC because of the grilled cheese and tomato soup.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
It is OK to not know fully what you are doing right away! It takes time, a lot of learning, and a lot of questions to feel confident and competent as you move forward.

What three traits define you?
Compassion, determination, enthusiasm

How do you define success?
The ability to humbly use your strengths and knowledge to better the world around you, while also recognizing what you don’t know and learning from others.

What are you doing right now to help propel you toward continued academic or career success?
Currently I am placed with four different clients in our speech and hearing clinic on campus, so I get a lot of experience in different areas. We are also just now starting to think about our final research projects that we complete before graduation.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“Just Happy to be Here”

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
I love running but I have also been making time to read for fun again instead of just textbooks!

What does it mean to you to be a WSU Cougar?
To be surrounded by peers and faculty who push me to my highest potential and look out for my well-being!

What or who has made the most meaningful impacts/differences in helping you succeed?
My family has been incredibly supportive and encouraging in everything I do even when they don’t fully understand what I am learning! They always listen and do whatever they can to make sure I am succeeding. My faith is also a huge part of my life and keeps me grounded!