Lauren Bell has lived in Midland all her life, but it was not until she attended Midland College and participated in Students in Philanthropy that she truly fell for her hometown.
Bell earned an associate of arts degree from Midland College, which along with her bachelor's degree from Texas Tech in Public Relations, she puts to good use at Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center.
Bell serves as the development and communications coordinator, writing grants, maintaining social media and fundraising efforts, Midland College said in a post. And it all started with the unexpected decision to attend Midland College.
Lauren Bell
| Facebook
"Midland College was not a part of my initial plan," Bell said in the post. "However, it was the best decision I ever made. MC gave me the opportunity to discover my passion. The professors were nurturing, and they really invest in their students. I would do it all over again."
And she would not hesitate to recommend her experience to others. Her younger sister Christian is in her second year at Midland College.
In her position with the rehabilitation center, she can work with many of the same donors who supported Students in Philanthropy, the press release reported. She served as the club's vice president and met her fiancée Jacob Garrett, who was president of SIP. Due to her time in the organization, Bell felt compelled to go into the nonprofit sector. While at Texas Tech, Bell interned with High Sky Children's Ranch conducting social media and grant writing services for the nonprofit located in Midland.
"Lauren is that rare gem, perfectly balancing a strong work ethic, sense of purpose and limitless compassion," Julia Vickery, who is now MC vice president of Student Services, said the press release reported. "As an officer and member of SIP, Lauren chased the mission of philanthropy and held others first in all things. The nonprofit community is incredibly lucky to have her in their ranks."
Bell and Garrett, who is finishing a Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Texas Permian Basin, are planning to wed in 2021.