An Interview with Lauren Fong

Community Connections - IRHS Alumni Interview

Tanvi Manku

Lauren (she/her) is an IRHS Class of 2020 alumni student and is currently in the Financial Modelling and Ivey HBA program at Western University, Class of 2024.

How did you decide which field/program you wanted to pursue?

Through participating in case & stock pitch competitions in high school (and becoming involved with clubs like DECA & Junior Achievement), I've always known that I was interested in business. When I was in grade 11, I joined the Business SHSM program, but was also taking the science and math courses - I was still interested in STEM. The time finally came for me to apply to universities, and I decided on Western because of their 2+2 program. I'm able to study financial modelling, calculus and applied mathematics during my first two years of university, but also study business at Ivey in years 3+4. It was the perfect balance between interests!

Why did you choose to attend your university/college?

I chose Western in part due to their business program structure, but also because of Ivey's case based learning method. If (hopefully!) everything goes to plan in terms of meeting requirements, I'll be able to learn by applying knowledge to real world business scenarios, an approach unique to Western.

What was the biggest challenge you faced transitioning from high school to university/college and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge going from high school to university was definitely time management. It gets said a lot, but asynchronous classes (due to COVID) really force you to pick and choose where you spend your time - whether it's studying, socializing, recruiting or joining clubs on campus. You have to make sure you prioritize what matters, and hold yourself accountable for the decisions you choose to make. The same can be said for high school, but the amount of "free time" you have goes down pretty quickly - so you have to be a bit more careful in terms of scheduling your day or week. I'd say the best way to overcome it is to use a planner or agenda, and remind yourself that you don't need to sign up for anything & everything!

What did you do in high school that you feel helped prepare you for university/college?

I think having good study habits and a strong work ethic goes a long way in university. Once you realize you're surrounded by people just as or smarter than you, the difference is in how much effort you put in. Be able to hone in on your goal and commit to it - giving it nothing short of your best work. I had a lot of wonderful friends and mentors in high school that inspired me and encouraged me to work hard, so I'd also try your best to leverage your own network of support - help each other succeed!

What was your favorite memory from IRHS?

I'd say my favorite memory from IRHS is a three-way tie between DECA Provincials 2020, hosting the Halton Model UN Conferences, and participating in Relay for Life with friends. :)