Lauren Cates ’13

Lauren Cates is a history major with pre-dental minors in biology and chemistry who hails from Durham, NC. She is the President of the Dental Club as well as the Co-Director of the Pondo Shuttle. Lauren is an active member of Celtic Cross and is the student worker for the Office of the Provost. She is a trained Stephen Lay Minister through the Bluefish program in the office of Religious and Spiritual life. Lauren has been actively involved in the Presbyterian Student’s Association and is currently the Treasurer for the group at PC. She serves also on the Honor Council.

Why did you choose to come to PC and what made you interested in majoring in History?

When I started looking into colleges, I knew I wanted a small school. I always thought that I was going to UNC-Asheville. Then I met an admissions counselor from PC at a college fair in my hometown. We spoke for a little while and I applied. When I went to visit UNC-A, I knew that the school was not right for me. That left two other choices and PC was the closest one of the two. My father and I came down for Accepted Students Day and I fell in love. Everything about PC was right for me and I felt as though I was at home. I loved the small school atmosphere and family feel that the school, professors, and the town provide. It fit my personality well and I knew that PC was the place for me. I chose to major in history because I love history. The professors in the History Department not only care about how you are doing in your studies, but they want to know about your life. You can tell that they all really care about you as a person.

How would you describe your experience in PC’s History Department?

My experience with the PC History Department has been awesome! The professors are always willing to help with anything. The History Department feels like a family where everyone knows each other and truly cares about each other. The classes are great!

What advice would you give to students considering coming to PC and majoring in history?

My advice for a student considering PC would be to look at the college as a whole package: the family atmosphere, the honor code, and the classes. PC students are held to a high standard all of the time and you have to be willing to live up to the expectations of your professors and your friends. I would also say to take advantage of your time at PC. Time flies by here and before you know it, you are in the final year. Do not stand still and let the great things that PC has to offer pass you by! If you are considering majoring in history and you love history, I would tell you to go for it. You do not just have to be a teacher, lawyer, or politician. You can do anything with a history major.