Love at First Sight
Powerlifting wasn’t a major part of the process when Lauren Pimentel began narrowing down her college choices. But after one look at the Midland University powerlifting program, Lauren’s decision was made.
“I was a competitive cheerleader growing up and took part in high school cheerleading. When I stopped doing cheerleading, my mom, who was a powerlifter, would take me to the gym, and I fell in love with powerlifting. When I was looking at colleges, I was picking schools based on my major, not powerlifting.
“Coach (Tim) Anderson reached out to me, and I took a visit to Midland. Once I stepped foot into the powerlifting facility, I was sold on Midland. I was excited to have the opportunity to both pursue an education and be on a team. I lifted on my own in high school, so it’s been very cool to be a part of a team environment.”
She has been part of that team for three years, but the involvement on campus runs much deeper for the junior Human Services major from Dighton, Massachusetts. Along with serving as the current Vice President of Student Senate, Lauren is also a member of Cru, Leadership Midland, Psi Chi International Honor Society, the Howard Hanson Honors Program, and is an Admissions Ambassador.
“I knew when I got on campus, I wanted to get involved. I’m kind of a homebody, so coming to school so far away from home, I wanted to be busy and get involved. It’s helped me meet other people beyond the powerlifting team. It’s allowed me to surround myself with people who have different majors or different interests than me. As an Ambassador, I can relate to students who are coming to college a long way from home.”
Lauren traveled nearly 1,500 miles on her college journey and said it didn’t take long for Midland to begin to feel like home. “When I first came here, you could feel the energy and the welcoming spirit. I wanted that small community feel where everybody knows each other, and you always have that support from your coaches, teammates, and professors. It was hard to leave home, but I’ve been very happy here. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”
She started as a psychology major but soon found her passion in Human Services, along with a Criminal Justice minor. “My plan after I graduate is to go to law school, then specialize in child and family care, maybe through child welfare or foster care. I feel like foster care is something I would enjoy being a part of. If I could change one child’s life, it would be wonderful.”
Lauren’s own life has changed over the past three years as she has branched out and experienced new friends and new adventures. “Being away from home has allowed me to learn and grow as a person. I enjoy Midland and all the people I’ve met in so many different areas. I’ve developed close connections I will have for the rest of my life.”
Lauren Pimentel is a junior Human Services major from Dighton, Massachusetts.
