Lauren Keith, Junior
Providence, quite simply, called me home to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). I was not content with where I was previously studying and struggled to get through my freshman year. After a few signs to look into The Woods, I decided to reach out to the women’s head soccer coach at SMWC. A few days after my conversation with him, I visited campus and met with my amazing exercise science professors. I had my Avenue Moment, knew I was at home and committed to SMWC the next day. I could never have imagined feeling so at peace with a decision I had made that would change my future.
After moving into Le Fer Hall for soccer preseason, I had no idea what lay in store for me. When I transferred to SMWC for my sophomore year of college, I wanted to jump in headfirst with my campus involvement. After being encouraged to apply for Presidential Corps by its previous president, and my teammate, I was selected and welcomed into the organization. This organization allowed my teammate and co-captain, Kortney Buckley, to volunteer for Woods Giving Day to call alumni. I was able to have several amazing conversations with SMWC alums, all while raising money for the College I love. Not only was I able to explain my story to each one of the donors and express my appreciation for their gifts, but I was also able to make connections that are unbeatable. Calling and just being in the environment with my peers who care for SMWC as greatly as I do, are my absolute favorite parts about Woods Giving Day.
Giving back to our College is so important because we wouldn’t have all of the amazing things we do on campus without our donors. Students spend the majority of their time in the residence halls. Without donations, we would not have the renovated amenities that we do, like the kitchens, bathrooms and furniture in the centers. Whether it be donating five dollars or donating your time to call alumni and friends, giving back is the most important thing we can do as students.
Woods Giving Day benefits the students through renovations in the residence halls and helps fund scholarships. I am getting my ring this year, and the Woods Ring scholarship is helping to pay for some of my closest peers’ rings. This is a day that we will never forget!
Giving back on Woods Giving Day exceeds just donating time or a few dollars on the day. It changes the College’s course for years of students to come. So even if a few dollars is all we can give now, I know that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is setting me up with the education and experiences to be able to donate thousands after I graduate from SMWC. I hope to be able to give future students their Avenue Moment and the certainty that Providence is calling them home to The Woods, just like it did for me.
To learn more about Woods Giving Day go to smwc.edu/woodsgivingday2023
Lauren Keith is a junior exercise science major and psychology minor. Lauren and her family are from Terre Haute, Indiana, where her mom and dad still reside. She also has an older brother who graduated from Indiana University and currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. On campus, Lauren is one of the captains of the SMWC women’s soccer team and the vice president for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). She is also a representative for Presidential Corps and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Outside of school, she works as a barista at Macksville Coffee Company in West Terre Haute, Indiana. Lauren plans on graduating in spring 2024, after which she plans on attending graduate school to get her Master of Science in sports psychology.
0 Comments