Lauren Lee ’30 joins Queens with a strong passion for poetry, service and empowering others. This fall, she looks forward to honing her craft and building relationships across campus.
For incoming first-year student Lauren Lee ’30, writing has always provided a sanctuary, a processing tool and a way to build community. That passion for connection made her a natural fit for the Queens Leadership Scholars Program, a selective two-year experience that equips students with real-world leadership skills through hands-on civic engagement, a capstone project, a Leadership minor and an annual $5,000 scholarship.
“Lauren and her peers in the Leadership Scholars program understand that true leadership starts with the courage to share your voice and listen to others,” said Anita McGill, assistant dean of student engagement. “This program will hone those skills, helping them grow into confident, thoughtful leaders equipped to make a meaningful difference on campus and beyond.”
As the president of the English Honor Society at Cox Mill High School in Concord, North Carolina, Lee participated in her school’s newspaper club and spent over a year crafting her own poetry collection focused on growth, mental health and womanhood, with hopes of publishing it in the future.
Her love for storytelling began at just 6 years old, inspired by fictional worlds and fairy tales that provided comfort during difficult times. Through the years, her imagination evolved into a lifelong passion for writing, shaped in part by her mother, an author of essays and memoirs.
In her original work, she captures moments of tenderness and personal connection:
Warm smiles were the key to my trust.
Melodic voices sparked my own soft smile.
My screeching cries would even melt to hush.
I was always drawn to a soft, velvet hand.
My mother’s touch was magical.
It bloomed peace within me, like sun through sand.
Reflecting on her creative journey, Lee shared how writing helped her through difficult times throughout her childhood.
“I’ve always loved writing and from an early age, it helped me process my emotions,” she said. “When I write poetry, it helps me get certain messages out there that I think people need to hear.”
Lee also cites American poet and activist Amanda Gorman as an inspiration for her writing. “I think her poems are so powerful, and she showcases the Black experience beautifully through creativity,” she said.
Her commitment to connecting with others extends well beyond the page. Guided by a strong spirit of service, she felt strongly aligned with Queens’ motto, which is based on serving others.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping those around me, and I’m so excited to be able to participate in service-based opportunities on campus and in the community,” she said. “I want to use my skills to help others by inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves while making them feel heard.”
Lee intends to study creative writing as her major with a minor in journalism. When asked why she chose Queens, she cited its tight-knit, supportive community and tailored academic pathways.
“Queens offers so many opportunities in my major because I get to concentrate specifically on creative writing, rather than just a broad English major,” she explained. “I’m also excited to participate in internship opportunities and build relationships with my professors and professional mentors to help me flourish.”
As she prepares to move onto campus this August, Lee is eager to immerse herself in campus life. At the top of her list? Connecting with fellow writers, joining the campus literary magazine and exploring local storytelling outlets.
With a commitment to service, leadership, and storytelling, Lee is excited to bring a unique voice and fresh energy to the Queens community this fall.