On the Cover
By Lauren, age 19, California
Sweet Designs Featured Writer & Advice Columnist
My name is Lauren. I am 19 years old, from lovely Southern California. Some of you have met me before on an early cover (June '07). Since then my life has changed drastically.
When you all heard from me last I was just graduating from high school. Now a year and a half later I am a sophomore in college. At the time of graduation I had little idea of exactly what I wanted to do. At the time I was thinking of heading into computer science or psychology along with pre-law. Well, that has definitely changed since then.
I did at first try to follow my original plans starting with computer science, but since then I've realized it just wasn't what I was intended to do in life. I changed to psychology like my second plan had been, but instead of heading into pre-law or some type of law force division I've come to realize my passion is with children and adolescents. I am instead going to study psychology and minor in art, and possibly double minor in child development. I plan to go to school and get a master's degree. I intend to do Art Therapy.
Photography - My New Hobby
In the last year and a half I have experienced many exciting things in my life. I have experienced culture in art and life that without being located where I am I never would have been able to do. I have gone to many museums, spent many days at the beach, picked up photography as a hobby, joined my university's sailing team and outdoors program, and during this time I have also rediscovered my faith, and I continue to do so. I have discovered what true friendship is. I also have learned to live.
To many hearing that I have learned to live may sound cliche, but it is the honest truth. To be honest, in high school I did not often talk to my family. I wasn't depressed, but I wasn't happy either. I can honestly and wholeheartedly say now that I enjoy life. I look forward to each day. I look forward to being at school. I feel blessed to be at the school I am. And most importantly I have rediscovered my faith which was lacking in some areas during high school.
My Modeling Photos by Christopher McWhorter Photography
In all of this I have continued to write for Sweet Designs Magazine. Even though I have had an overload of school and social life, often causing Stephanie many headaches, I write because I believe Sweet Designs is a positive way for students to have an outlet for their creativity. I also believe it positively influences students by allowing them to have someone to ask about issues and have positive articles to read, unlike many other magazines.
