If you’ve paid any attention to the UF student groups on Facebook over the last few weeks, this name may seem a little familiar: Lauren Bates.
The 21-year-old agriculture education and communications senior has been promoting the rush events for her Christian sorority, Sigma Phi Lambda.
But her involvement doesn’t stop there.
Bates said she currently holds six leadership positions around campus. She is vice president of Sigma Phi Lambda, president of the academic fraternity Alpha Tau Alpha and ambassador for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Bates said she also holds a directorship in ACCENT and two assistant directorships in Florida Blue Key’s Gator Growl and Homecoming.
“My secret is my Lilly Pulizter and Monster energy drinks,” she said.
All kidding around aside, prioritizing and taking one step at a time is key, Bates said.
“School comes first above all,” she said. “That’s the only thing that will get me where I want to be.”
Despite her success, Bates said she always wants to try to improve. Her biggest weakness, she said, is focusing on what could be instead of the smaller details; however, she said she believes thinking in terms of the bigger picture is also her biggest strength.
“I look at people as a whole and not try to not spend too much time on their minor flaws,” she said.
Bates, who is specializing in communication and leadership development, said she believes involvement and connections are essential to being successful after college.
College experiences have the ability to “make or break” someone later in life, she said.
“My advice to any girls would be to get involved,” Bates said. “No matter what it is, always be doing something.”
Upon graduation, Bates said she would like to become a social media analyst and manage the online image of a company within Florida’s agriculture industry.