Get Out Of The Box – Lauren Schwien

Get Out of the Box

Featuring Lauren Schwien

Lauren Schwien

At Kansas Wesleyan University, it can often feel like you are stuck in a box—your jam-packed schedule is filled with school, sports, and possibly a job. The question is: are you willing to get out of your already-filled box to add more?

Lauren Schwien, a Junior goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team majoring in business management and marketing communications, exemplifies this idea.  Metaphorically and literally, Schwien is inside a box.

“I was feeling stagnant in my life and where I was at with my sport, so I thought that trying new things would help me get new experiences.”

With a coaching change that allowed players to have more wiggle room in their schedule and to have opportunities outside of soccer. Schwien believed these signs were fate and went for it.

Doing More 

Schwien decided to take part in the fall play “The Iliad and the Odyssey as well as All of Greek Mythology in 99 minutes or less” and flag football. She had never done either activity before coming to college, but states, “I’m excited for everything, but I would say the play is what I am most eager to be a part of. I’ve never done anything like it, and it’s the most outside of my comfort zone I think I’ve ever been. But it’s so fun to do something that is challenging.”

She expressed that your mindset has a big part of it. Making a note that her mindset is always that if you can do something, you should do it. The point isn’t always about how good or bad you are or what people will think of you. The point is you shouldn’t feel regret. Especially with the “What If’s” that always plagues the minds of humanity. Going for what you want because college is only a small part of life might as well make memories trying everything. Rather than living with regret over trying nothing and what life could’ve been.

Lauren Schwien(Left) & Kendall Davis(Right)

Schwien’s advice for other students is, “Don’t be afraid to ask. Honestly, if you show a desire to do something and put the effort in, it’s very rare for anyone to tell you can’t do something or won’t work with you to do what you want.” And if you are nervous about your schedule being extremely full, don’t worry because as long as you communicate and piece together your schedule to become successful, that is what is more important. 

With KWU being a school on the smaller side, the possibilities and opportunities here are endless. Schwien is one of the many students who are taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to her. Communication is always key! Nothing would ever happen without expressing what you want and need in your life. There are so many staff, faculty, and other students that are more than will to help you out where need it! 

Who Are You?

Lauren Schwien

The takeaway from this story is that your sport or activity doesn’t define you. You won’t have that specific label forever. At some point things will change, and some things will challenge you. There will be more labels you will obtain and lose in life, but what is important is to find your joy. As young adults, you’re figuring out what you want in life. Why not try out and learn new activities? Why not meet new people? Why not prove that you’re willing to take the step outside of this box?

Recapping Schwien’s experience so far, she expressed, “I’ve had a great time joining everything and everyone has been great at teaching me what I don’t know or don’t understand. I felt a welcoming presence and support from everyone around me for wanting to try out new things.”

Make sure you go out and support Lauren Schwien in all the activities she is a part of!!

Women’s Soccer Schedule 

“The Iliad and the Odyssey as well as All of Greek Mythology in 99 minutes or less” – TBD

Flag Football Season in the SPRING 

Other Stories:

 Inside KWU Women’s Flag Football: New Faces 

 KWU Women’s Volleyball: Coyote Classic