Ashley Lauren: A Newfound Hope

Growing up, we’ve all had that one teacher who made a difference in our lives, which we will never forget and forever cherish. For me, that was my middle school teacher, Ms. Fry, and also my high school teacher, Mrs. Branch. Together, they not only saw my greatest potential, but they also helped me to utilize it and pushed me to my fullest. In doing so, they taught me something that will stick with me always -- stop worrying about if you will make it, and instead, focus on what you can do NOW -- Thinking back on those words today, I had the chance to interview and photograph an amazing 4th grade teacher who reminded me of just that. Her name is Ms. Ashley Lauren, and this is her story:

Ms. Lauren has worked in the field of education for nearly 15 years. From babysitting to daycare center director, you name it, her motivation to become a teacher sparked from her troubled upbringing as a child. However, in spite of her unfortunate childhood, she was able to beat the odds because of the loving support she received from her remarkable teachers who went above and beyond their teaching capacity to nurture her in every aspect of her life (e.g. emotional, social, and personal development). This was something that she was very grateful for, and therefore what she aspired to be as a teacher.

As of today, Ms. Lauren is truly invested in the education and development of her 4th grade students. But also, she is fighting one of her own personal battles: stage IV breast cancer. As shocking as it already may be, it was even more devastating for Ms. Lauren to have been diagnosed on her birthday in the year 2019, when she just turned 35 years old. Since then, Ms. Lauren has been down one of the toughest roads in her life. First, going through the grueling and debilitating process of chemotherapy. Then, watching as she slowly transformed mentally and physically, experiencing a number of changes such as: hair loss, persistent body aches and pains, fatigue, and more.

From the outside looking in, anyone would imagine that Ms. Lauren was ready to give up. Yet, for better or worse, she refused to let cancer steal her joy or stop her from doing what she loved most...and that is, teaching. In fact, she gained a newfound strength because of her diagnosis, that being, her strong will and never-ending hope. Everyday, Ms. Lauren channels that towards her passion as she strives to give her students her all. There isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t challenge them, let alone, fight for their education and well-being (as well as her own); especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every moment that she spends with her students, she teaches them the value of respect, how to be courteous towards one another, and to take care of each other, embracing the classroom as a small community. In her own words, “If no one else is taking care of us, at least we are taking care of each other.” Ms. Lauren firmly believes that aside from teaching the school curriculum, which is also important, it’s even more crucial to help her students develop into upstanding individuals so that they will become decent citizens of society.

As Ms. Lauren continues on her journey through life, no matter where it takes her, teaching will always be her calling. If nothing else is taken from her story, she wants everyone to know that:

“For those out there who’s fighting in this breast cancer battle, don’t give up no matter what. As soon as you give up mentally, your body goes right after."