Psychology major
Hometown: Gahanna, Ohio                 

Lauran Young, senior psychology major, came to The University of Findlay from Gahanna, Ohio, to pursue academics and athletics.                  
“I chose Findlay because I wanted the best opportunity to play collegiate basketball and go to school,” said Young. “I was really drawn to UF. I felt I had a good chance to contribute to the team, and I was excited to learn more about psychology, and to find a future in mental health.”                  

Though Young says playing basketball did not work out as she expected, she remains confident in saying Findlay was the right choice for her.

“My abilities outside of athletics flourished over the past four years, and I have received many opportunities and experiences I do not know I would have gotten if I attended a different school,” said Young. “Findlay gave me an atmosphere to develop myself as a well-rounded individual. It brought out my potential, and turned it into achievement.”

Specifically, Young credits the faculty of the psychology department with helping achieve her goals during her academic career.

John Malacos, Ph.D., presents Lauran with the Psychology Student of the Year award during the 2010 Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity.

“The people who make up the psychology faculty at UF are amazing. They take the time to get to know you, to answer your questions and point you in the right direction,” said Young. “When coming to UF, I had no clear view of a future. I knew I liked psychology, so I hoped that taking the courses would lead somewhere. But my adviser, Don Collins (assistant professor of psychology), really made the difference. He made an effort not only to get to know me as a student, but also as a person.”

Young not only involved herself in her major — she also became involved in a number of activities and leadership roles.

Her senior year marks her second year as a resident director in UF Residence Life, and she currently serves as president of Psy-Key club, vice president of Psi-Chi International Honor Society, vice president of the Black Student Union and treasurer of Aristos Eklektos honor society.

Lauran poses for a photo with fellow Residence Life staff member Jamie Poston during Orientation Weekend. As part of Residence Life, Lauran served as an Orientation Leader for incoming students.

Lauran and Mike Pesato were members of the 2010 Homecoming Court.

Young is also a member of UF’s Psychology Advisory Council and is a regular volunteer at Hancock County’s Cancer Patient Services, where she was named “Volunteer of the Month” in June 2009.                   
An active leader on campus, Young says one of her favorite memories of her time at Findlay was a leadership retreat sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and Commuter Services.                  

“Throughout the retreat, self-reflection was a focus. I learned so much about myself and really came to realize how blessed I am to live the life I have,” said Young. “I had some close friends who went on the retreat, as well, and it was cool to experience all we did together.”                  

As she looks toward graduation in May, Young says everything she has learned at the University has helped prepare her for a future career in psychology in the field of mental health.                  

“Through class activities, internships and volunteer experiences, I feel I have grown immensely as a person,” said Young. “UF is an awesome place with so much to offer. I am so appreciative of the opportunities, experiences and relationships. I am so glad I came here, and I’ll never forget my four years at UF.”                  

By Hannah Wurm