Lauren Baker (B.B.A.’05, Marketing & German)
How were you involved on campus?
Orientation student leader, athletic media relations office student employee, alternative spring break (participant and site leader), Student Alumni Association, hall council (two years), Bronco buddies.
Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
Current Location: Rochester Hills, MI
Job Title and Company/Organization: One10 / Account Supervisor
Favorite campus memory: I can’t pick just one! A few that come to mind: Bracket Buster Saturday on the way to the 2004 MAC championship and NCAA tournament, going to shows at Miller when my parents came to town, teaching incoming freshmen the fight song as an orientation leader, the exact moment I met certain people who are now like family to me… so many happy memories!
Personal Story
It is hard to pick just one story, because so many of the opportunities and relationships during my time at WMU had such a big impact on who I am today! My time at Western was all about the amazing community. There is an old saying that comes to mind when I think of my time on campus: “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our heart and we are never, ever the same.” I cannot think of a better way to describe my time at Western and am grateful for every single person who left an impression during my four years.
When I was first accepted at WMU, I was unsure of my major. At student orientation, I took the language test for German, and after speaking with the advisors helping to build my schedule, they encouraged me to continue my language learning into my first semester. I figured no matter what my major, another language could always be useful! And after a little research, I discovered that a major was not far out of reach and decided that I would continue with a secondary major in German.
I had a LOT of life changing growth, experiences and opportunities while at Western, but one of the things I am most thankful for was the support that helped me make that decision. Once I started classes, the faculty worked with me and encouraged me to participate in a study abroad. The study abroad office was fantastic, and over the course of two summers in Germany – the first a study abroad and the second an internship, I was immersed in the language, the culture, and met people from all over the world.
While my language skills have deteriorated significantly, the relationships and people I met while abroad are still very much a huge part of my life. To this day, we travel to meet each other whenever and wherever we can - from Spain and France, Maine and California, all the way to Namibia and South Africa. My “host sister” from my internship summer was barely three when I was there, but it has now come full circle: she spent several weeks interning with me a few years ago! I am honored to be able to give back to her what her family gave to me.
The faculty and staff at Western truly cared about my personal development and I would encourage students to make those connections with advisors, professors, and departments on campus. You never know where it may take you!
Each week, watch for a new story featuring a member of the WMU Alumni Association Board. View the complete Alumni Association Board Member directory here.