Lauren Jurgensen of Rocky Point, North Carolina graduated from Heide Trask High School. During her time abroad, Lauren worked in Puerto Rico and in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In Puerto Rico, Lauren worked on several farms, and on one of them she learned the full process of making coffee. In Bishkek, Lauren worked for Labrys, and organization devoted to fighting for LGBTIQA rights in Central Asia. While there, she also greatly improved her Russian skills.
At UNC, Lauren studies Russian and Anthropology with a minor in Philosophy. She is a UNC Bonner Leader, a member of Criminal Justice Action and Awareness, and a Committee for Queerer Carolina.
At Heide Trask High School, Lauren was the drum major of the marching band, and Vice President of the Project Unify Club. She earned top chairs as a flute player in various county, district, and honors bands and was a member of National Honors Society, Science Olympiad, Student Government Association, and the North Carolina Special Olympics Youth Activation Council.