When you give a young driver the chance to drive a Corvette, you know “going too slow” won’t be the issue. There was a similar feeling when Lauryn Fisher ’23 came to Methodist University’s campus as a freshman in the fall of 2019. Like the young driver, Fisher was determined to hit the gas and make a difference on campus from the get-go.
When you give a young driver the chance to drive a Corvette, you know “going too slow” won’t be the issue.
There was a similar feeling when Lauryn Fisher ’23 came to Methodist University’s campus as a freshman in the fall of 2019. Like the young driver, Fisher was determined to hit the gas and make a difference on campus from the get-go.
Born and raised in Raleigh, Fisher grew up with an appetite for criminal justice and forensic science.
“It was the main reason I came to Methodist University. I wanted to be a part of the Forensic Science program,” Fisher said. “I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and putting things together. MU’s program stood out because it offers a concentrations in CSI and Chemistry, while other schools only focused on the laboratory aspect.”
Only a month into her first semester, Fisher was already trying out extracurricular activities. What started with one or two undertakings, quickly grew to three, four or even five at a time. In her time at MU – while making sure activities didn’t negatively influence her studies – she has been involved with:
- Student Activities Committee (marketing coordinator for two years, president for two years)
- Criminal Justice & Forensic Science Association
- Resident Assistant at Garber Hall
- Leadership Fellows Program
- Black Student Union
- Dance Team (captain for one year)
Fisher also was voted Homecoming Queen in 2022, was featured in a popular University instructional video, and even worked at a fast-food restaurant during a stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fisher said a few people have tried to tell her to “slow down,” but staying in the mix is the only way she knows how to operate.
“Growing up, my parents always brought me out into the community. There was a lot of outreach with our church and my father’s fraternity. It was always something,” Fisher said. “I simply want to help other students have fun while on campus. Yes, the main priority is to work on your degree, but it’s also OK to take a break and have fun. It brings me so much joy when I see people enjoying my hard work.”
Fisher graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice in May with hopes of working for the North Carolina City County Bureau of Investigation, the Fayetteville Police Department or Salem Police Department. She is also considering graduate school.
Dr. Eric See, head of MU’s Justice & Military Science Division, feels Fisher has what it takes for the profession.
“Early on, Lauryn faced a number of challenges as a student,” See said. “However, rather than allowing those challenges to end or derail her academic career, she has used them as fuel and motivation for her success at MU.”
While Fisher is proud of her accomplishments, she is quick to credit various MU faculty and staff for their impact, including See, Sarah See (assistant professor, Criminal Justice) and Gavin Myrick (director, Student Belonging & Inclusion).
However, Fisher’s biggest inspiration is her younger brother, Ethan, a high-school senior who has autism.
“The relationship is very rewarding because I get to see him be inspired by me,” she said. “He wants to be the first African-American NASCAR driver with autism, and there are moments where he says he wants to do what I do. It’s nice to see a glimpse of him thinking, ‘If Lauryn can do it, I can do it.’”
Although Fisher’s life in the fast lane has been a blur, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m thankful for my time at MU because of the people, growth and experiences I’ve had,” she said. “I’ve grown in so many different aspects since stepping foot on campus. I’m very grateful for that.”
This story was published in the Spring 2023 edition of “MU Today Magazine”. The magazine is available digitally on the MU website.