Interview by Tori Jones, ’25
Lauren Jarvis’ journey in international studies has been characterized by her ability to balance the sometimes brutal side of policy with the warmth of human connection. As a graduate student at the University of Cambridge, Lauren watches romantic comedies while coding complex data and utilizes her photography skills to highlight the beauty of her surroundings, finding balance in her world of research on conflict, humanitarian crises, and international development.
Lauren’s interest in international humanitarian policy is largely attributed to growing up in a family of people who have all lived overseas for a point in their lives. Dinner table discussions tended to be through an international lens, instilling in her a curious disposition toward other countries. Her interest in learning about the world was paired with extensive involvement in her local community, tutoring and volunteering, which continued throughout her time at Baylor.
At Baylor, Lauren stayed active in a variety of organizations, where she could apply ideas from the classroom to real life. She interned with the U.S. Department of State (twice) and mentored at local schools and The Cove, a nonprofit for homeless youth. As a student leader in Baylor’s Alexander Hamilton Society chapter and Model UN, Lauren build a strong community of peers with similar passions. She also expressed her creativity as a photographer on the honors college PR committee.
Lauren’s hard work paid off when she was awarded a Marshall Scholarship, which took her to the London School of Economics for a Master’s in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies. She is now pursuing a Master of Philosophy at Cambridge, where she is bringing her experience on development and humanitarian issues in conversation with religion.
Her best advice for undergraduate students: For the first couple years, take risks and say yes to a wide range of opportunities. Then, reflect deeply about these experiences and follow your intuition when choosing more intentional opportunities the next couple of years. Through it all, Lauren has managed to balance her work, community, and time to reflect (mostly by walking excessive amounts), cultivating thoughtful habits and perspectives.
