To start things off, I have more names then most people, Lauren Ashlie Maria West. I was born in a little town called Hahira. I have two older brothers, one that has graduated from Valdosta State with his degree in Biology, the other graduated with a degree dealing with welding. I have a nephew and a niece. I have a sister that went to college in South Carolina and receiced a degree in medical coding. I have attended the local public schools K-12, graduating at Lowndes High School with Honors. I currently have two part time jobs, Winn-Dixie and Zaxbys, both in Lake Park.

This past late July-early August, I took a trip to San Diego, California. It was my first time ever flying and walking around an airport. Valdosta has a very small airport compared to Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA. It was a great learning Experience. While visiting a friend, who is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, we visited the San Diego zoo. I had my very first caricature drawn. After spending my whole day exploring and observing the exhibits, I knew that was where i belonged. I am currently a student at Valdosta State University, working towards my degree in Biology. My first plan would be to continue to graduate school. I would go to a different college in Georgia to become a Veterinarian and specialize in large animals. Plan b would be to become a zookeeper. I would love to work at the San Diego Zoo. I have a very strong passion for elephants. My house is decorated with them everywhere. I also have a tattoo of one on my back.

I am a huge animal lover. I have five cats, and take care of my moms three dogs. Some things I do enjoy away from school and work would be playing tennis, kayaking, going to the gym, and spending time with my friends. Family is a big thing to me, I come from a broken family. The time I do spend with them, I cherish even more. One thing I have always told myself is when I get older, there will not be divorces and God will be a very important aspect in our every day routines. It makes for a closer family and brings so much happiness. I also believe in working for what you have it makes you cherish it that much more.