Lauren Ibarra

What advice do you have for future students?

College is a time to find yourself and explore new opportunities. Take advantage of this time in your life to identify and pursue your passions, meet as many people as you can and go on adventures you never would have considered before. For me, college was a great time to network, pursue internships and find amazing mentors. Take the time to go the extra mile and truly immerse yourself in the college experience, to get the most out of your investment in your education.

What is your favorite tradition at Texas State?

My favorite tradition at Texas State is students jumping in the river after graduation! The tradition is so deep-rooted that some students even wear swimsuits under their graduation gowns. Given that the San Marcos River runs through the campus, I think it’s a wonderful, unique opportunity that only Bobcats get to experience.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I am an avid reader, food enthusiast and podcast subscriber. I love to read the news, bestsellers, biographies of inspirational people and just about anything with words. I annotate my cookbooks, and I love making recipes my own and sharing them with others. A great podcast can make all the difference on a long commute—I listen to news updates, foodie talk shows and interesting shows almost daily!