Lauren Billing ('11) Psychology Major

Portrait of Gonzaga Psychology Department 2011 graduate Lauren Billing

Since graduating from GU in 2011 I have taken advantage of several opportunities. My first stop was AmeriCorps where I was placed with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Kansas City. BHGH is a residential program for at risk youth who live in a group home and attend local Catholic schools. With that organization I was the Academic Coordinator which involved organizing study time, scheduling tutors, and interfacing with the boys’ schools and teachers. Living in the home taught me a lot about the challenges of working day-to-day with teenagers in a rigorous, yet supportive way.

"I think your first years out of college are some of the best for taking any and all opportunities to see and do things that you’ve always dreamed about."

From there, I moved to Minnesota to continue my education at the University of Minnesota. I am working towards a Ph.D. in sport and exercise psychology in the School of Kinesiology. I work on research that centers on using mental skills training to help athletes perform, as well as influence everyday exercisers to stay motivated.

During a lot of the in-between time I travelled! Seeing Ecuador, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and some of Europe has brought me a more global view point and the chance to see some amazing scenery. I think your first years out of college are some of the best for taking any and all opportunities to see and do things that you’ve always dreamed about. I have also been truly amazed at how well and often my classmates and I stay in contact and travel to see each other. Your fellow Zags are actually some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Keep them close. Cheers!