Kimberly Elmore, an Identity Staff Writer has dedicated her time to “Scratch the Surface” on a woman each issue. Kimberly’s interviews to highlight any woman who feels that she has achieved in her life. Whether you’re a mother, CEO, nurse, or an entrepreneur, we want to scratch the surface and find out how you got to where you are today and what have you learned.
Many young adults (and older adults, too) contemplate going back to school. Many of us experience major change in our lives and consider using that as an opportunity. Well, 28-year-old, Maryland-native, Lauren Ruch is taken action on those thoughts.
Seven years ago, Lauren graduated Frostburg State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. At first, she worked at a sports bar and worked part time at Wachovia Bank while looking for a full-time job. Her first “real” job, she says, was at T. Rowe Price where she began her career as a service analyst and was promoted to retirement plan coordinator. After T. Rowe Price, Lauren moved to Arlington, VA and worked at a foreign exchange firm.
“At the end of 2008, my boyfriend of five years and I decided to part ways, and it was the hardest break-up I’ve ever been through. Going through the heartache of separation, moving back to Maryland from Virginia, and being on my own again, I just decided it was the best opportunity for me to change my career and go on a different path,” said Lauren.
Lauren had wanted a career change, and says she always planned on going back to school. She took her GMATs, and months later decided to also take the LSATs.
“It started as a childhood dream. Then when I wanted the career change and had the opportunity to make that change for myself, I decided to apply to law school. It was different from what I was doing before (finance/business), but I decided I wanted more than to just get my MBA. Law school isn’t only a huge challenge—especially going back to school after being out for seven years—but I feel it will offer more opportunities for me.”
Lauren will be attending the University of Baltimore full time, and it will take her three years to complete. She’s not sure what type of law she’s going to study.
“As a first year student, your classes are set by the school so you don’t have to pick a field starting out. I’m going to wait until I get into my classes to see what I’m most interested in and feel the most passionate about. If I had to pick now, I guess I would say corporate law just because it would match my business background,” said Lauren.
Lauren says one of the most rewarding aspects of this new career path is that she set a goal for herself and carried through with it. As far as challenges, Lauren says she has a lot of anxiety about going back to school again, being the new ‘kid’, and is worried about being able to keep up with her studies.
“What’s motivating me is graduating and looking forward to a successful career. I also think about my family a lot and making them proud of me,” said Lauren.
Lauren is a great example for each of us in regard to not only following our dreams, but making those dreams happen.
To those women considering a career change, Lauren says, “Believe in yourself, stay focused, and take everything one step at a time.”
Identity Five
1. What have you accepted in your life that took time?
Lauren: “Having to work hard for everything you have can be a blessing.”
2. What do you appreciate the most in your life?
Lauren: “My friends, my brothers, and my boyfriend all support me and make me laugh.”
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?
Lauren: “My college scholarship.”
4. What is your not-so-perfect way?
Lauren: “I eat way too many sweets!”
5. Complete this sentence, “I Love My…”
Lauren: “Smile!”
