Influencer of the Week: Lauren Spalding, The First Academy

Lauren Spalding — a senior at The First Academy — has been at TFA since kindergarten. Throughout the years, Spalding has been a part of numerous organizations. She currently plays tennis on the varsity team, serves as the student government leader of the Environmental Committee, is a member of NHS, a founding member of Mu Alpha Theta, a founding member of Micah 6:8 diversity club and a member of the computer programing team.
 

What do you love most about your school?

Two words that encompass everything I love about TFA are opportunity and community. TFA has really made a difference through the amount of personal guidance provided by teachers and staff. The school offers so much support and opportunities to connect with my peers and community. As a senior, I can look back and see all of the steps TFA has taken to create a solid foundation and community for me to reach out to now and after I graduate.
 

What brought you to TFA?

The teachers. When my family and I visited for the first time, everyone was so kind, welcoming, and passionate about TFA and what they were teaching. They definitely did a great job making my family and I feel wanted. Now, when I’m walking through the hallways, teachers always say hello and genuinely are interested in me. They provide a lot of support in and out of the classroom.
 

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

I strive to emulate the kind of person I always looked up to when I was younger, especially people who mentored those around them and served their community. I want to help foster growth and love of learning in the next generations, especially for girls interested in STEM.
 

What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

This is such a hard question, (because) I find that students and faculty are always so willing to go out of their way to give opportunities and support in my academic career. I am so thankful that my chemistry teacher, Ms. Pierre, opened her classroom to me to conduct independent research while also offering me guidance. I have definitely come back from that experience with a lot more knowledge about chemistry and lab practices. I also have to thank Mr. Harrison, whom I will have had for three years, for being so instrumental in cultivating my love of computer science and encouraging me to participate in programming competitions.
 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would definitely travel to Morocco. All the pictures I see of the architecture and landscape coupled with the vast, rich history put it at the top of my bucket list. I also love Moroccan food with its flavor and use of spices.
 

If you could meet anyone — past or present — who would it be and why?

I would want to meet Ada Lovelace, who, in addition to being Lord Byron’s daughter, is also credited as the first computer programmer. As a woman in a time where higher education was seldom offered to females, I would want to know how she was so motivated to pursue her dreams in the sciences when most people looked down on her. She really didn’t even get credit for her achievements until relatively recently!