Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Sepulvador.
Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was not able to attend a university for my freshman year of college. As a community college student, I felt that my future was over before it even began. I know that is an extremely bleak statement but during my senior year of high school, there were peers, other parents, and even school counselors who led me to believe it was the worst decision I could make. I’ve made it a point to share my college experience because I was able to create something so different than I was led to believe. My hope is that a freshman enrolled at a local college, who may work during the day and take night classes like I did could look at what I’ve done and think “if she can do it, maybe I can too.”
When I first enrolled in those classes I had no one to emulate. I watched all of my friends from high school attending well-known universities and felt doomed from the start. I had a choice to either wallow in self-pity or do everything I could to succeed. With the student loan crisis that continues to plague my generation and the next, I want to be able to help others who feel they may not have a choice. After experiencing rejection recently, I have started to believe that beginnings can be disguised as ends. The truth is that this life is what we make it and I am choosing to be happy.
Has it been a smooth road?
The adjustment period after graduating can be pretty tough. Once you graduate from college, there is this unrealistic standard to not only land a job right away but for it to be your dream career. Personally, I have had three different full-time jobs since graduating, and I want other 20-somethings to know that it is okay! Sometimes, change is seen as a negative thing when truly, it’s better to try out different things and fail than grow content at a job you hate. Life is meant for so much more than just being comfortable! This is the time in our lives to find what we love to do and sometimes the only way to do that is to fail, hard, like fall on your face hard. I (somewhat quickly) learned that as much as I love fashion, I am not a salesperson! Being a personal stylist as my first job out of college was so much fun but if you tell me that you don’t want to buy a $200 pair of jeans, I am not going to be the one to try and change your mind! Thrift queen over here, holla!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My biggest accomplishment is graduating summa cum laude from the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas. This was all while holding an internship or job every semester and all of the other responsibilities college students must juggle. I am happy to report that I recently started a new job as a Marketing Coordinator and I feel that it is the perfect role for me. Some of us find that on the third try, others the fifth, but don’t stop looking until you are happy!
I strive to help others. Even though it is just a fun hobby on the side, I love to share different experiences from my life on my blog. I’ve said it before, but if I can help even one person by sharing different situations, I’ve gone through then it is a personal success. One of my most well-received blog posts was one I shared two years ago about my Community College Experience and I had all kinds of mutual friends and people I had never met messaging me about how much my message resonated with them. That was such an amazing feeling that confirmed this is something I should continue to pour energy and time into. My second most popular post was about why I hate Valentines Day, that was a fun one to write!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I have lots of mentors and people to thank for helping me get to where I am. However, it’s also important to note that a mentor doesn’t have to be a person you can meet up for coffee with. One of the amazing things about social media is the ability to keep up with influential people we strive to learn from. If you have not heard of Rachel Hollis somehow, I highly suggest you listen to her RISE! Podcast where she regularly shares her interviews with industry leaders. There’s a wealth of knowledge to discover and it’s free! What else are you waiting for?
Also, mentors don’t necessarily have to be established in their careers to help you. Some of the most helpful connections I’ve had along the way are women who graduated just a few semesters before I did because they’re currently going through what’s next for me and are there to learn from.
As far as finding a mentor, I recommend being involved in some kind of networking group where you can meet like-minded people. I am a member of the Junior League of Dallas and it is an amazing thing to be surrounded by such amazing women who work to give back in this great city I am so proud to call home.
Contact Info:
- Website: LifewithLaurenBlog.com
- Email: lsepulvador@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_sepulvador/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifewithLaurenBlog.co/
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
