Lauren Clark

From picking a major, to selecting courses and even determining where to live, the higher education world is filled with decisions. But University of Houston-Victoria sophomore Lauren Clark knew one thing right off the bat.

She knew she wanted to make a difference on campus.

The Houston native filled out her application to join the UHV Student Senate freshman committee when she arrived in Victoria for orientation and went through the interview process shortly after. Within her first weeks of school, she was sitting in on meetings and voicing her opinions.

“It was something I knew I wanted to do, so I just sort of dove in,” said Clark, who has worked her way up to Senate speaker. “I’m really big on being involved.”

With help from the other members – a group she guessed might be the most liberal Senate the university has ever seen - she’s working to change the culture at UHV.

“We want to help UHV become a destination university,” she said, noting possible changes such as the introduction of a student center. “We see the potential the school has and the town has. They just need that student input to really get things going.”

While Clark, 19, invests time in the Senate, it isn’t the only thing keeping her busy on campus.

She maintains a full course load and also works two jobs – one in UHV Student Life and Services and another as resident assistant in Jaguar Hall. Although it makes for a rigorous schedule, she doesn’t mind.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Clark said. “I feel like the only way for a person to get all that he or she can out of the college experience is to be involved.”

Clark was born and raised in Houston and graduated from Elkins High School in 2010. She later moved on to UHV, where she majors in psychology.

Her goal is to earn a doctorate and eventually become a sports psychologist. An avid basketball player all through high school, she said the career path is a way to combine two passions into a job she will love.

It might keep her busy now, but Clark is enjoying her journey. And she plans to continue toward her goals with a smile on her face.

“There’s enough negativity in this world,” she said. “I think we can definitely stand some more positivity. I try to keep that in mind with everything I do.”

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact Paula Cobler, UHV interim director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.