Friday, January 10, 2020
Part of a regular series.
Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes who are members of their respective institutions’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to providing feedback on the student-athlete experience, conference and institutional SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.
Name: Lauren Mason
Sport: Wrestling
Institution: Simon Fraser University
Year: Junior
Major: Communications
Minor: Publishing
Hometown: Auburn, California
Why Did You Choose To Attend Simon Fraser?: I received a few offers from schools for track and field but I decided that I wanted to wrestle instead. When I was visiting schools, I fell in love with Simon Fraser. The culture here is diverse and the thought of experiencing another country was intriguing. The views are gorgeous and you can see all the way to downtown. I also liked the team dynamic. The girls here just seemed to have a good vibe, and I felt that it would be a great atmosphere for me. Coach Mike Jones was very straightforward about things, and I could tell he was going to make me the wrestler and person that I wanted to be.
What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class has been Big Data and Social Media. It was interesting to see how it all runs behind the scenes. I learned about how social media platforms collect, store and sell our data. I learned how we are constantly being surveilled and how our entire world has changed with the introduction of the internet. I am now more critical when thinking about our new culture of sharing things on social media and the internet. I now see everyday things in a new light and I am actually kind of sad that the class ended.
Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: I would say Steve Malcic or Jody Baker. They are both passionate about the topics that they teach and it makes learning enjoyable. They emphasize discussions and questions in class and welcome challenging thoughts. They are also very relatable and connect with their students well.
Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.
The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: An older teammate in SAAC invited me to join. I enjoy meeting athletes from other sports and planning events to help others connect with each other while also raising money or awareness for worthy causes.
Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: I love our annual Operation Christmas Child event. We collect and wrap toys and give them to children in need. It is such a great event. It allows us student-athletes to spend time together while helping the children in our community to feel loved during the holiday season.
How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: It will help me when I need to work in a group or plan events. SAAC has also helped me to make friends with other SFU athletes. My role in the social media and communications committee will also be beneficial for jobs in that realm.
What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete means I get to do what I love every day. I get to wrestle and compete for my school and I hope I represent SFU well. I feel blessed that I get to do this and I know that people look up to me, so I hope I can be a good role model for them.
What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: To be organized. I have always been an organized person and put that skill to good use. I use my calendar to organize my practices, classes, physical therapy and more. I also learned that it is fine to sometimes say “No.” I can't do everything at once or I’ll go crazy.
Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Competing at this year’s national tournament. Our team rocks and always has a great time. We came home with eight All-Americans and placed second as a team. Team trips are just awesome.
Current Mentor(s): Mike Jones, Danielle Lappage and Justina DiStacio.
Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Relax. Most of the time, it's not as bad as you think it is. Do your best, work hard and leave everything out there. Talk to people, make friends and be kind to everyone you meet.
If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: My aunt. She passed away before I was born, but everyone who knew her said she was a wonderful person. They all say that she was kind and funny and was a competitive runner, and I think I could learn a lot from her in many aspects of life.
Extracurricular Activities: I am actively involved in my church and SAAC.
Future Goals After Graduation: I want to be a sports broadcaster. I would love to have a career in sports commentary, marketing and content creating, or social media managing. I love to talk and I love sports, so why not do both? I also am looking forward to getting married and starting a family. I can't wait to be a mom and raise my own children.
Favorite Sports Team: Denver Broncos.
Favorite Athlete: Danielle Lappage.
One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I love snakes.