Senior Lauren Perzan is a two-sport standout athlete for the Hood College Blazers and this week's INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete. She has been a starter all four seasons for the field hockey team and has been a starter and full-time player for the women's lacrosse team the past three seasons.
What is your background in the sport you play? I started playing field hockey in my sophomore year of high school. I played soccer since I was a little girl and I wanted to try something new and different so I gave it a shot! I had a great group of high school coaches who helped me learn the game and I fell in love with it. Ever since then, I've been hooked!
What is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus is most definitely the new turf field. It's a great place to get away from my studies and just focus on field hockey! I don't have to think about anything else while I'm out there.
Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)? I'm also a part of the Hood College lacrosse team in the spring. I never planned on playing lacrosse when I chose Hood but I'm definitely glad that I did! I'm also a part of the new SPURS program. This new program consists of a group of upperclass student-athletes who help freshmen get acclimated to college life! Each upperclassman is a given a group of freshman students to help out both on and off the field! It's definitely a great program that is going to continue to grow and I'm very glad that I am a part of it!
What is the most important societal issue facing college students? The most important societal issue facing college students is the current status of the job market. Because of our country's economic status, it's very difficult to find work. Very few organizations are willing to hire new workers. Therefore, it is going to be difficult for us to find jobs in our chosen career paths after graduation.
What was your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline? I'm majoring in Communication Arts with a concentration in Public Relations. The most important thing that I've learned in this discipline is the importance of being confident when speaking your mind. Your confidence level proves to others that you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to. It allows people to see you in a higher regard and take your opinions seriously and what you have to say seriously.
Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life? I MUST say that my parents have been EXTREMELY influential to me! Aside from my parents, my greatest influence is my best friend and teammate, Brandy Noel. When I first came to college, I was very timid and often very afraid to stick up for myself! She has taught me that I need to be able to speak my mind if I plan on getting anywhere in life! I play both field hockey and lacrosse with Brandy and she helps me to give 110% in games and practices because she never gives anything less than that. She's taught me to never give up! She will continue to be both a best friend and major influence for life!
If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? If I could give one piece of advice to elementary school students, I would tell them to never be afraid of trying something new! You never know what kind of opportunities could be given to you until you try so go for it!
What is your favorite form of entertainment? My favorite form of entertainment is watching sporting events! I love watching any kind of game because I love sports! It could be a soccer game here at Hood, or a Baltimore Ravens game on TV! It's my way for me to take a break from school and hang out with family and friends!
Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team? My favorite sports team outside of the CAC is definitely the BALTIMORE RAVENS! My dad is a huge fan so I've followed in his footsteps! I love watching the Ravens come together as a team and show a consistent level of determination throughout their game!
Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with. The first person I'd like to have dinner with is my high school field hockey coach, Chastin Faith. I'd want to thank her for allowing me to fall in love with the sport of field hockey! I'd tell her that she is one of the most inspiring people I've ever had in my life. The second person I'd like to have dinner with is my senate advisor and teacher from high school, Matt Bramucci. I'd want to thank him for helping me become the person that I have grown to be. I may not have always been very appreciative of his life lessons in high school, but by looking back I can see that he taught me so much. He really helped me to grow up and realize a lot of different things. I know this question asks for a person but, I have to include my parents as one! Although I have dinner with them pretty often, I've never really sat down and told them how much they mean to me! They have taught me everything that I know! I owe absolutely ALL of my successes to them. They are great parents and I would be nothing without them!
