Student Spotlights - University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Lauren Watka

Major: BS, Biology & BA, French

Hometown: Sagamore Beach, MA

"I think it's at college that people have and take the time to figure out what their passions are. It is here that they also have the resources to do something about it. "

What have you learned from other students?

At UMD, I was amazed to find that there are many other students who care about issues as much as I do. I think it's at college that people have and take the time to figure out what their passions are. It is here that they also have the resources to do something about it.

Whether it was a political debate, a sustainability issue, a religious matter, or simply a question of remodeling the library, I found that there are many people out there who care a lot about specific issues.

Some older age groups have called my generation one of apathy and, at times, I feared the same, but I have learned that simply is not true.

What advice do you have for future students?

Do something memorable. Do not simply study, sit in your room in the evenings, and worst of all--go home every weekend.

There are so many opportunities and events that take place everyday on campus. Take advantage of them! It will be a very sad thing if all you have at the end of four years is a diploma.

Play volleyball at midnight, perform in the Vagina Monologues, find a club and organize a big event, spend two hours chatting with an old friend over coffee at Mirasol's. Just do something memorable.

What's one thing at UMass Dartmouth that no student should miss?

The cherry blossoms that line the path to the Dell in early spring and the white blossoming trees that decorate Centennial Way shortly thereafter.

What organizations did you belong to at UMass Dartmouth?

An enormous part of my college experience has been as a member of the Christian Fellowship. When I first started attending their meetings as a freshman, I was amazed at the friendships that existed and the willingness they immediately showed to include me, too.

Within a few weeks of my freshman year, I had friends who were juniors and seniors and in several different majors. On top of it all, they all had an unexplainable love for Jesus.

I eventually became part of the Fellowship leadership team and have since been challenged to meet new people and connect with younger students in the same way others first reached out to me. For this, I give all the credit to the genuine and compassionate love that Christ has poured into me.

What have you learned that made a difference for you?

Ever heard of "sustainability"? When I first came in as a freshman, neither had I. However, over the past four years, I have learned quite a bit about recycling, water conservation, local farming, waste reduction, and a radically different way of living and, really, of thinking.

Thanks to several films, lectures, and events the Sustainability Initiative hosted, I have learned small tricks and entire lifestyle changes I plan on making to oppose the wasteful, use-and-throw-away mind set Americans have exhibited for so long.

Contact Info:

Email: webdevelopment@umassd.edu - UMass Dartmouth Web Development Team