Ursuline Scholars Success Story: Lauren Wimer By Jessica Driscoll-OwensCommunications & Community Relations Coordinator, Beatitude House “When I graduated high school I had a full-time job at a fast food restaurant and thought this would be my life,” said Lauren Wimer. This thought caused her to contemplate life at 20 years if she chose not to attend college. “Would I really want be working at a fast food job for the rest of my life?” she asked herself. “My answer was a big, fat, no!” One week before fall semester began Wimer decided she should give college a chance. Her first semester was challenging, but she was determined to do everything necessary to succeed. Through her coursework at Youngstown State University, Lauren met Ursuline Sister of Youngstown Nancy Dawson and learned about the Ursuline Sisters Scholars program. “When I started this program I was working two full-time jobs and going to school to help support myself,” explained Wimer. “Since starting, I cut back to one job and focused more on my education.” Wimer is grateful for her experiences through the scholars program and especially to her mentor. “This program set me up with a wonderful mentor, Mary Sabol,” said Wimer. “Mary has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself and to take my personal challenges and turn them into strengths.” During Wimer’s senior year she began an internship at Trumbull County Children’s Services. Just halfway into her internship she was offered a full-time position. “There were multiple times I wanted to give up, but I knew my hard work and dedication to my education would pay off one day.” Dec. 16, Wimer graduated from YSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice. She plans to attend graduate school in the fall.