“Loran has played a unique role in my life—supporting me through the challenges of the transition to university and also pushing me to be the best community member I can be. The program has unequivocally changed the trajectory of my life; if not in terms of my career path, in terms of the way I see the world and engage with the people around me. I feel like I’m making the biggest difference in my community when I’m engaging in work for kids with arthritis. Whether I am volunteering at camp with or doing research at a computer, it is an incredibly fulfilling privilege to use my lived experience with arthritis to play a role in the lives of the next generation of kids with this disease. The forward-thinking and optimistic energy of the Loran community inspires me to be a more curious, action-oriented, and compassionate person.”

“The Loran community has quietly but powerfully shaped the way I view myself and the kind of leader I can be. Surrounded by such an amazing cohort of people who are pushing boundaries and doing incredible things in their own communities, I’m constantly inspired to do better and stay true to our shared values of service, leadership, and community. Even when we’re busy with school or navigating the chaos of life, those values shine through in the ways we show up, whether that be for each other, for the people around us, or for the things we care about. Being part of this network has helped me grow more confident in my decisions, more intentional with my time, and more grounded in purpose. It’s not always something you can see on paper, but I feel it in the way I approach new opportunities, take initiative even when it feels uncertain, and trust myself to lead with heart.”

“Loran summer experiences have allowed me to explore fields beyond my degree—providing opportunities to learn broadly and practically outside of the classroom. Working as a polar bear educator and a researcher in gender-based violence speaks to the breadth of experience Loran encourages. I’ve developed new passions, learned how to advocate for diverse communities, and become an effective science communicator. More broadly, what makes Loran special is the family of scholars: a group of authentic, diverse, and motivated people who lead by uplifting each other. In every interaction I’ve had with a member of the Loran community, I’ve left feeling inspired and driven to make change.”