Allow me to introduce myself...

Hello all! My name is Lauren Kirkland. I am a twenty-year-old student entering my third year in the Business Administration program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. I will graduate this fall (yay!) with my Associates in Business and pursue a hospitality degree this coming spring. I also plan to attend classes to obtain a certification in event planning, which I would like to pursue a career in. During high school, I was involved in the Student Affairs Committee which inspired my passion for event planning and I recently started a new job at A Sharper Palate Catering which has been a door-opening opportunity. I love my job and couldn't be more thrilled at the chance to start learning the in's and out's of planning for my dream career.

I live at home (still) with my Mom, Dad, and eighteen-year-old brother, who attends VCU. I have lived in the city of Richmond, VA my entire life in the same house. With my new job (and paycheck), I have made it a number one goal this semester to move out! I also have a boyfriend named Luke whom I met in eighth grade and started dating my senior year. We have been together for two years and six months, and things are going great. He attends VCU's Exercise Science program and plans on joining the ROTC, and eventually the National Guard, something I am very proud of him for doing. We have every intention of getting married as soon as our finances allow us. I guess you could label us high school sweethearts.

Some hobbies I enjoy are running, swimming, bargain hunting, going to the beach, and hanging out with my friends. On a Friday night, you will most likely find me with my boyfriend and our friends, grilling out at a bonfire, playing poker, or watching a movie in one of their homes. Fortunately, I have had the privilege of keeping close to many of my high school friends, and we are a tight knit group.

I love my life and wouldn't change a thing. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, future husband, and close friends. I suppose that's what makes me such a positive, fun, easy going person (so I've been told) and I thank them so much for that. For now, cheers!