Although I have an idea for my first ‘real’ blog post, I figured it apt to begin with an introduction to…well, me. I am not sure where to start, but here goes nothing.
First of all, it’s pronounced ch-or-knee, not corny, which is how you’d likely describe my jokes (bah dum chh).
I am 26.76 years old and I am the product of two wonderful people who mentored me into whatever I am today. My parents are both teachers and coincidentally taught me a lot of the things I like to take ownership for myself. I was blessed with an older brother who yelled me into doing long division in second grade and is truly one of the brightest people I know. Our little nuclear family, the American dream. I grew up in Southwest Michigan and I am inherently westside-biased when it comes to what locations are best in Michigan. We have a big beautiful lake, a Winery Trail, breweries, and all of my family lives on the West Side of Michigan. What’s not to love?
In high school, I was a nerdy jock, but mostly a nerd. I was a then-ashamed now-proud member of the Math and Science Center. I loved computer programming and math and it was everything that filled my cup of tea, of which I am also a big fan. Although I spent a lot of time on school work, I also was heavily into sports. I played volleyball and ran track all four years of high school. I don’t remember many accolades, but I remember it being a really difficult time getting the correct spelling of my name, then correct height, then correct year for my pole vaulting record at the school and I remember coming in and eating donuts with the then-athletic director who (bless his soul) then wrote me a late pass to my first class every Friday. I made a few of my best friends in my nerd herd and from my sports teams and I still love and cherish them so dearly. I will be the first to complain about high school being the absolute worst, but we all made it and I made it out with some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Guys, I also was a CHEERLEADER. Rah rah ree, kick ’em in the knee! For anyone who knows me now, this is straight LAUGHABLE (more than likely because I could beat up high school Lauren with my eyes closed and eat her for breakfast). After graduating, I left this gorgeous region to enter the very landlocked Spartan Country.
I started at Michigan State in the fall of 2011, where I then became a proud college drop-out (more on that in a later post)… and subsequently returned in the Spring of 2012 with a new perspective and personality and embarked on a new major – Neuroscience. I was also a preferred walk-on for the track and field team and I am so thankful for that life-changing opportunity (shoutout Coach B!). My only goal for this opportunity was to earn my letterman’s jacket. After three years and beyond my wildest dreams, I earned my letterman’s jacket… along with a Big Ten title and finished my career as a scholarship athlete, a captain, Michigan State record-holder, and an All-American. This was the same year I became a proud dog owner to the best dog ever! Anyway, through pole vaulting, I met some of the coolest people and made some lifelong friends (love you always miss Kayla and Mr. & Mrs. Vani-Pack). I have an ample number of people to thank for all of that success as well as my current success, but the biggest thank you is and forever will be to Coach Creekmur. Shameless plug for any pole vault hopefuls looking for a good coach – Creekmur is by and large the best. Yes, I may be biased because he was mine, but he is knowledgable, experienced, ever-seeking new and better ways to train and improve athletes, hilarious, witty, and most of all – humble. Anyone who goes to Michigan State and has the honor to be coached by him should soak up every ounce of knowledge they can and run with it, because they will find the success they seek as long as they buy in. And if you’re interested in a new podcast, book, or stimulating conversations about literally anything under the sun, my advice is to buy him an americano or green tea and get talking. I would place my stock in him now and again and ten times over. I am thankful to call him a friend (if you happen to read this, I miss you and let’s get coffee sometime when we can leave our homes).
Since graduating, I worked during my gap year and started the joys of medical school the summer of 2017. Oh, the woes. Literally. I’m not sure where the last three years have gone, but damn, med school is not a joke. For the people in the back: MED SCHOOL IS NOT A JOKE. Although I am thankful for one thing: my best friends were found in these woes (YAY BRICK)… in the dungeon, prison cells of Fee Halls. Nothing brings people closer together than suffering through biweekly tests and the most stress you never thought was possible to even experience.
Another big part of what makes me tick: I am a Christian. I have always been a believer, but as I am getting older I am gaining new ground on what it means to be a Christian, what being a Christian looks like, and how love conquers all. I have found my home at Riverview Church in Holt, MI and I love, love, love it. A thousand times over, I love it. I wish I could pluck up this church and take it with me to residency and wherever I end up growing old.
So, that brings me here…to my first blog post. Why now? What for? What even is a blog? It seems like you just always have to be doing something… why?<– these are real life questions my boyfriend has been asking me. Well, I am here to tell you.
Why now? Because we are quarantined at home and I have time. (No, I still don’t have time).
Also, I’ve been pondering a blog for years, feeling compelled to share parts (or all) of my story in the hopes that it may help someone else. I also have a few tricks up my sleeve that may be worth sharing. I think the most important “why now” is I finally feel like I am in a place in life where I don’t feel stupid sharing my story – although I am terrified to admit some things about which I plan to write, I feel strongly that I can help someone else. If I can help one person find some sort of motivation in the struggle, realize grit can be learned, that they’re not alone, that admitting your dreams can be straight up scary, but admitting them is the first step to reaching them. I also know a lot of ways to help your dog out because, let me tell you, mine sure is a piece of work. I love him, but damn. Seriously. You’ll see eventually, I’m sure.
What for? To help anyone. To help everyone. To get things off my chest. To share my struggles in hopes people realize to struggle is to human. To share God with more people. To share my life with my community. My dad said it was a good idea.
Why do I always need to be doing something? I am trying to change the world. Somehow. Someway. That is my life’s ambition.
Welcome to the end. Until next time. xx lauren
P.S. – I asked Kris (boyfriend) how I should finish this post and he says “all you have to say is ‘see ya, world. xoxo, gossip girl'” and I have never been more proud.
Love this! ❤️