CMT is a part of my life, but it isn’t my whole life. Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Blanchette, I’m 23 years old, and I’m from Rhode Island. I graduated from the University of Rhode Island last year with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Sports. I’ve always loved sports and being around people, and I’m currently looking for a career in Sports Management. My dream job would be to work as a Team and Family Services Manager for a professional sports team. And if yo

My three-day break was starting the next day. But, I was too busy reading through an email about one of my graduate classes, to give it much thought. My eyes scanned through the lengthy syllabus and instructions on what to complete before the first class. Summer is over. Now, the changes feel real. While the weeks carried on to the next, it didn't truly feel like summer until I went to the beach on Thursday. I enjoyed a beautiful afternoon with friends and being near the wate

I smiled gently as I read the title of an email. Not what I expected see that Thursday morning. But, it sure made my day. I wouldn't consider myself a poet. I'm passionate about writing on topics of chronic pain, disability, faith, dance, and will sometimes dive into fictional stories that are stiring in my mind. Poems? I often feel stuck even when attempting to write one. Though I have been more in this past year. Writing poetry feels almost like learning a foreign langauge.

Three days. How was I supposed to make it through three full days of an in person conference? It's not like Diamonds, where there's no traveling and I'm able rest even while listening to sessions. One day in itself would be a lot for me physically. Last month, I attended a conference designed mostly for biblical counselors, ministry leaders, and those in similar fields. This all came about from a conversation at a young adults group I regularly go to at my church. I mentioned

I was nervous stepping into the interview. My hands shaking, not just because of the tremors. I sat at my desk, waiting for the zoom meeting to start and mostly praying that I would able to answer the questions with confidence and clarity. A few months ago, I shared about how I was applying to graduate school. The process involved researching universities in my area, , looking into programs that would still take acceptances for the fall, and figuring out finances. I did expe

I held it together, that is until I reached my car. Tears streamed down my face, but I turned away out of embarrassment, hoping no one saw. It finally set in. The decisions I made months ago were right at the time, but why did I suddenly feel sad? I started to question why I decided to let go of some of the areas in my life I thought were fulfilling. It didn't make sense to me. I should be excited for what's coming later this year. I was smiling more in the early spring as I