Student Spotlight: Lauren Lindsay
Every fall and spring semester, UF Enactus engages in Day of Difference, a program where UF Enactus members visit elementary school students in the Gainesville community to teach them success skills and entrepreneurial values.
Sophomore Lauren Lindsay is the Project Manager for Day of Difference, which takes place Friday. Learn more about Lauren, and how UF Enactus is inspiring her and so many others.
Name: Lauren Lindsay
Hometown: Sarasota, Fla.
Major: Marketing
Year: Sophomore
Student Organizations/Activities
• Emerging Leader and Day of Difference Project Manager, UF Enactus
• Mentee, Business Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP)
• Member, Alpha Delta Pi sorority
• Student, Innovation Academy
Why did you choose to attend UF and Warrington?
UF has one of the best business schools in the nation, and The Gator Nation is truly everywhere. Every alumnus I have ever met is still actively involved with UF in some way. This really showed me that as a Gator I would be a part of a loving and passionate community that extends around the world.
Why did you decide to major in Marketing?
Marketing takes advantage of my creative and analytical sides. I have always enjoyed product development and graphic design, but I’m also good at market analysis and problem solving. In addition, marketing is applicable in every industry.
How has Warrington impacted you?
Warrington has given me the skills, resources and confidence to reach my goals. I remember, as an incoming freshman, I was very intimidated by everything, and I wasn’t sure where to begin. However, while taking Warrington Welcome, I began to realize what my strengths and passions are. I had an awesome instructor and peer leader, and they really inspired me to start getting involved. I feel that Warrington provides such an encouraging environment filled with incredible people.
What has been your favorite experience or memory so far at Warrington?
My favorite experience was when I volunteered for Day of Difference. Teaching at a local elementary school really opened my eyes. The kids were so eager to learn, and it was inspiring to see their fresh perspectives on things. It was really neat to see how quickly a group of 2nd graders grasped concepts like entrepreneurship and money management. It was also a huge reality check; it made me so grateful for all the people and opportunities I have in my life.
Why did you get involved with UF Enactus?
I really liked that Enactus is focused on social entrepreneurship which is defined as “the attempt to draw upon business techniques to find solutions to social problems.” Enactus is also filled with so many inspiring and passionate students. I knew that if I wanted to make a difference, Enactus was the way to do it.
Why is Day of Difference an important project for UF Enactus?
Day of Difference teaches kids practical skills and relevant business concepts that will better prepare them in the long run. More than that though, it motivates kids to work hard and dream big. It brings encouraging UF students into the classroom to serve as role models for these kids who are typically in underprivileged areas.
It’s also very beneficial to the volunteers. I think we are our best selves when put in role model positions. These kids look up to the volunteers so much and practically beg them not to leave. Day of Difference inspires the volunteers to better themselves and not take their opportunities for granted.
Why should UF students get involved with UF Enactus?
UF Enactus is not about doing community service for a few hours a month. It’s about using business concepts to make lasting positive changes locally and globally. It is incredibly rewarding to know that you have made a lasting impression that has changed someone’s life.
Tell us about your most recent internship or study abroad experience.
I’ve been interning at a leasing agency in Sarasota, and it has been such a great experience. The agency is a “paper-free” company so I do everything digitally. I’ve been doing a lot of search engine optimization and social media marketing. I think these skills are so important to small businesses in the modernizing economy.
What are your current career plans?
I’m interested in doing something with product development. I’m in the Innovation Academy which has really brought out the entrepreneurial spirit in me. I love the process of innovation. It’s so rewarding to see an idea materialize. I think overseeing product development for a forward-thinking company would be very fulfilling.
What advice would you give incoming students?
This might sound cliché, but my advice is not to be discouraged by failure. Many incoming students were likely very involved, had a close-knit group of friends, maintained leadership positions and earned good grades as high school seniors. It’s not easy starting all over as a freshman in a new place with new people. Don’t let competition, rejection, or failure stop you from pursuing what you want to do. Just learn from the experience and use it as motivation.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I’m into a lot of different types of music from metal to reggae and everything in between. I try to go to as many concerts as possible, and I love hearing about new bands.
How do you spend your time when not studying?
I love going to concerts, camping, golfing, cooking and cheering on the Gators and the Dallas Cowboys every weekend. I also love coffee…lots of coffee.
If you had a million dollars, how would you spend it?
I would definitely help out my parents first by paying off the house, college tuition, and pay for them to have a vacation. They have sacrificed so much for me. Next, I would make sure my little brother’s college education is paid for, and I would buy him his first car. With the remainder, I would give half to a charity and invest the other half.
What song has been stuck in your head recently?
“Drift Away” by The Expendables. It’s very relaxing in the midst of all the chaos.
Which social media platform could you not live without?
I’m honestly not very active on social media. I’d love to live without all of it, but, in this world, it seems impossible to “unplug” and still be involved.
