Lauren Pethick: Numbers alone don’t tell the story
As she prepares to graduate, Lauren Pethick feels grateful — and ready.
Graduating with a 4.0 GPA in accountancy, Pethick has excelled in one of the College of Business’s most rigorous programs. But numbers alone don’t tell her story.
For example, Pethick finds a point of pride in an unexpected place: the Corvallis Half Marathon. “Running the Corvallis Half Marathon multiple years challenged me mentally and physically,” she said. “It kept me grounded and motivated throughout busy school years.”
As the director of member finances for her sorority, Tri Delta, she acquired skills that mirror the demands of the accounting profession — precision, trust and communication. Yet, Pethick also found value in outreach and community.
“Our philanthropy partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital meant a lot to me,” she said. “I loved getting to participate in those fundraising events and connect with the larger Greek life community through those efforts. These experiences helped me build friendships, leadership skills, and a stronger sense of community at OSU.”
In her work as a peer advisor, helping fellow students in the College of Business advising office, Pethick is described as an exemplary role model for that team. In turn, Pethick describes at the College of Business a community that believed in her and played a huge role in her success: “Working as a peer advisor helped me build connections with students, faculty and staff while also improving my communication and leadership skills.”
And ultimately, while participating in PwC’s Summer Internship Experience, a selective and prestigious national program, Pethick had her moment:
It made me realize how much confidence and professionalism I had developed since starting college. Receiving a full-time return offer and knowing I’ll be moving to Seattle after graduation to start my career felt like a huge accomplishment and something I’m really proud of
“I realized how much I had grown during my internship with PwC last summer. I had the opportunity to travel to places like San Jose and Florida and meet accounting students and professionals from all over the country. It made me realize how much confidence and professionalism I had developed since starting college. Receiving a full-time return offer and knowing I’ll be moving to Seattle after graduation to start my career felt like a huge accomplishment and something I’m really proud of.”
With excitement and pride, Pethick heads to Seattle, Washington, to start her career with one of the Big Four; the numbers do tell a lot of the story. But not the times Pethick experienced growth outside her comfort zone, gratitude for a professor’s advice and encouragement, and conquered her nerves by saying ‘yes’ and accepting an opportunity.
“College challenged me in many ways, but it also helped me become more confident, resilient and excited for the future,” Pethick said. “I will always be grateful for the memories and lessons that I have gained from my four years in Corvallis. I’m proud to be graduating from the College of Business and excited to begin my career in Seattle.”
Related Blogs
