Alumni Spotlight

Lauren Cooper

Cooper attended the seminar in 2017 as a representative from Foxcroft Academy. She began her undergraduate studies at University of New England in Biddeford, ME in the fall of 2019 and currently has two jobs on campus - one in the library and one in a microbiology research lab. She anticipates graduating in 2023 with a degree in Medical Biology with minors in Public Health and Applied Mathematics.

When it comes to her hobbies, she says she loves the Maine landscape and enjoys exploring it in the summer months.

She took the time to answer some questions about her Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted her life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life?

I am the Vice President for Finance and Administration on the Residential Student Life Association Executive Board at the University of New England. This club works to advocate for students who live on and off campus in order to make life at UNE the best it can be for all of it’s students. I volunteer my time in order to better campus life. 

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life?

I try to always see the best in people and situations. It’s easy to get weighed down by all the bad but if you let yourself do that then others get weighed down as well. If I work to keep my mindset positive, my work honest, and my life happy then it trickles down to the people around me. 

How do you show the MYL pillar of leadership in your daily life?

I fill some formal leadership roles in my life as well as informal. Across them all I try my hardest to uphold the ideals that everyone in the group has the ability to lead and I do my very best to ensure they are all heard. Whether it’s as an RA in my residence hall or in a group project for class, I feel a leader is the person who is willing to hear from everyone else.

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.)

MYL is the reason I get involved so readily now. I am bolder and more willing to put myself out there thanks to MYL which has allowed me to join many committees and become more active in my community. 

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? (JC, SF, AC, fellow alum, etc.) and if so, how?

My first year as a JC, my SF was Kathy [Leighton]. She quickly became someone I was very comfortable with and still is. She reaches out to me once in a while to check in and I so appreciate her going beyond MYL events to make sure I’m doing well. Her reassurances and care have been a part of my success. 

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I hope people remember me as kind above all else and always willing to help. 

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

My fondest memory is my first JC year. The group of people were just truly amazing and so supportive of each other. I am still in contact and good friends with many of them. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

The fun fact I always use in my new classes is that I have been a vegetarian my entire life and have therefore never eaten meat. 

What gives you hope?

Coming to MYL every year and hearing young people having such passion for life and seeing adults truly listen to their ideas gives me hope for the future. 

What gets you particularly fired up?

I hate to see students or people lacking opportunities to do things that are easy for others, it always drives me to make change.

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work?

MYL gave me a lot of tools, particularly communication. I am always using skills I learned at MYL, probably even some that I don’t even recognize as coming from MYL. 

Tell us a bit more about your hobbies:

Whether that be hiking, kayaking, or going for a weekend trip, exploring Maine is a passion of mine that I most enjoy when I can share it with others, especially those who live outside of Maine. Hiking is definitely a favorite way to do this, but I am happy anytime I can get outside. Outside of the summer months, I still hike when possible but I also ski and snowshoe to keep myself outdoors as much as I can. I feel very blessed to live in such a beautiful state with such diverse seasonal weather!

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 11/9/2020]