It wasn’t until her sophomore year that Lauren Crabtree ’22 knew she belonged in a classroom of her own. Despite beginning college with an undecided major, she quickly found a home in the Cato School of Education. When the Birmingham, Ala. native recently traveled to Florida, she interviewed at six schools and left with six job offers, including the full-time second-grade teaching role she accepted at her top choice school, Sweetwater Elementary in Port Orange.

“I came to Queens recruited as a swimmer, not knowing what I wanted to do or really who I was,” said Crabtree. “I was about halfway through my sophomore year when it hit me that I wanted to change my major to education. I come from a family of educators and I loved getting to be in the classroom immediately after declaring my major. It definitely confirmed that teaching was where my heart was.”

Being a part of the swim team was an integral part of Crabtree’s experience at Queens. Many of her closest friends were teammates, including the man to whom she would later become engaged during her senior year. Despite her love of swimming, changing her major quickly changed her desire to be in the pool.

“Once I got into the classroom, I noticed that every time I was in the pool all I could think about was getting back to the classroom for clinicals,” said Crabtree. “I talked to Coach Dugdale who encouraged me to follow my dreams and focus on becoming an educator. I am so grateful I had a coach who prioritized my future in that way.”

Crabtree retired from swimming at the end of her sophomore year and spent her final two years immersed in academics and developing her leadership abilities as Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi.

“One really wonderful way that Queens equipped me for the job search was through the Vandiver Center for Career Development,” Crabtree explained. “I worked with Aaron Miller, a career coach, and he helped me practice for interviews and prepare everything from my resume to what I was going to wear the day of the interview. We practiced hundreds of questions and I felt so confident and equipped.”

Crabtree’s investment in furthering her education so that she can influence others is paying off.

“Queens has so much to offer,” she said. “My biggest advice for future Royals is to have your mind and eyes open to all of the community and opportunities here. Be adventurous and courageous to meet new people and go outside of your comfort zone.”