Name: Lauren Woods
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Year: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Early Childhood-Middle Childhood Education
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Energetic, friendly, and empathetic.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to go rollerblading, hiking, and I love listening to music.
You travel a lot, where is your favorite place to go?
I love the Rocky Mountains in general, but so far my favorite would be Glacier National Park in Montana. I’ve been there twice. Otherwise, I’m looking forward to my summer trip to Grand Teton National Park.
How many National Parks have you visited? Take your time to count.
Oh gosh. I feel like I’m going to miss some…somewhere around twelve. And a ton of state parks.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Anywhere in the Rocky Mountains. I would love to go back to Estes Park or Glacier again. But I love seeing new places, too. I’m really excited for my trip this summer!
Where would you want to live after college?
The dream would be Colorado, because since I’d be a teacher, I could spend my summers off in the mountains. I could also see myself anywhere in the Midwest.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My family, because after graduating college, I’ll be a fifth generation teacher. I feel like its in my blood, and I’ve always liked working with kids. When I was a kid, I would even line up my stuffed animals and teach them.
That’s awesome! What grade or age would you like to teach?
I would love to teach first, second, or third grade, because they’re old enough to do things by themselves, but they’re also still sweet and young.
Why did you choose UWL?
The main reason is the reputation of the education program. When I toured La Crosse, I loved the bluffs, the river, and the size. Right away, I knew I was gonna go here.
What have you learned about campus life in your two years at UWL?
Being on campus just makes you more involved. You have the chance to meet more people, because you’re constantly surrounded by everything that’s going on.
What’s your favorite thing about La Crosse?
Hmmm…there’s so many! I would probably say the scenery and the atmosphere of it…the bluffs, historic downtown, riverside park…there’s just always something to do and there’s a special feel to everything.
What advice would you give to a freshman on making friends?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself, because everyone is trying to make friends and figure out where they belong. Go out and meet as many people as possible and just be yourself.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend it with my friends, watching Netflix, working out, or spending time outside, especially when the weather is nice.
What does an ideal Friday night look like to you?
Spending time with my friends, making memories with all our shenanigans…and dancing and singing to good music.
Do you have a favorite memory from college?
Oh goodness, I have to think about that one…I just have so many good memories!! The Coate Hall carnival last year when everyone won a goldfish…and mine (Pearl) is still alive a year and a half later. It survived winter break, spring break, summer…somewhere around fives trips back and forth between la crosse and Minnesota. Otherwise I love the rotary lights with friends when we all wore christmas sweaters. I have so many good memories.
What’s your favorite book?
I’d have to say The Hunger Games. I’ve read them so many times, and they never get old. It’s one of those books you just fall in love with, and the movies didn’t disappoint me either.
If you could attend a concert featuring any three bands or musicians, who would they be?
That’s a tough one. I would say Def Leppard, Taylor Swift, and …there’s so many that I like. Keith Urban, because I really want to see him in concert.
What’s your go-to song right now?
It changes a lot, but right now, it’s Follow Me by Uncle Kracker. It’s been my song for the past few weeks.
If you were at The Pearl, what flavor of ice cream would you get?
Cappuccino Oreo or Cookie Dough…I guess I just like cookies and ice cream.
What makes you laugh?
My friends, being derps. I don’t know, I feel like I’m a pretty laughy person. I laugh at everything, I laugh at myself when I do dumb things.
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin: which is cooler?
Gotta say good old Minnesota. Why? Because we say drinking fountain instead of bubbler. And we have the Minnesota Vikings and the Mall Of America.
There you have it: the scoop on Lauren Woods, future educator and avid traveler!