Student Feature: Lauren Monteleone

From Houston, TX, Lauren Monteleone has really made herself at home at Hardin-Simmons University. Now a senior, she reflects on her time at the university as a positive experience and is grateful for having the opportunity to have an education enlightened by Christian faith and values.

“Having the privilege to participate in so many organizations and collaborate with all the people involved has produced countless memories that I will cherish forever,” said Monteleone.

Lauren (left) poses with two of her sorority sisters, Sam Harrison and Sarah Rademacher, from the women’s social club Delta.

Since her freshman year at HSU, Monteleone has participated in multiple clubs and organizations such as Psi Chi Honors Society, Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society, Baptist Student Ministry, Pre-Health Club, and Pre-PT Club. She was the student body president in 2018-2019, the 2019-2020 Greek Council President, and is currently serving her second term as president of the Delta Women’s Social Club. As a sophomore, she was a SWAT Member for HSU’s freshman orientation called STAMPEDE, a Wrangler for STAMPEDE her junior year, and is currently a student worker in the Alumni Relations Office.

Majoring in biology and minoring in psychology, Monteleone says she believes she was led to attend classes at HSU and is very grateful for all the memories and experiences she was able to create while attending the university.

“Being led here to receive a higher education while also challenging my faith has grown me into someone that no other university could have influenced me to be,” said Monteleone. “I am forever grateful for Hardin-Simmons and hope that I have impacted this school just a fraction of the way it has impacted me.”

As a senior, Monteleone advises other students to be active in college by joining a club or organization, getting a job, or even studying abroad.

“College is a place to receive an education, a stepping stone for your career,” she said. “But, in addition to that, it’s an opportunity to form lifelong friendships, to confide in your mentors, to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and to discover who you are to your core.”

Furthermore, Monteleone explains that, even though college can be overwhelming sometimes, it is important not to stress about the little things in life and not to miss the amazing things college has to offer.