Admissions Blog Posts
PALs Beyond the Tour: Laken Robinson
When Laken Robinson first stepped onto campus at Furman University, she did not expect a single class to change her entire career direction. But that is exactly what happened.
What started as a general education requirement turned into a calling. Today, Laken is an Anthropology major with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, preparing for a future in social work and nonprofit advocacy.
“I discovered Anthropology while taking an introductory course to fulfill a general education requirement,” she shared. “That class and my advisor gave me space to rethink what I wanted to do with my career.”
That space to explore became the foundation of her Furman story.
Finding Purpose Through Academics
Laken credits her advisor with helping her connect academic study to real world impact.
“We brainstormed different ideas and ultimately settled on social work,” she said. “Dr. Robinson has been very supportive in helping me apply to graduate schools, and I am excited to use my bachelor’s degree as a steppingstone for my master’s.”
Her minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies has allowed her to explore many disciplines across campus.
“It is interdisciplinary and lets me take classes in nearly every department,” she said. “It really expanded how I think.”
Mentorship Beyond the Classroom
For Laken, Furman professors show up far beyond lectures and assignments.
“One of my favorite things about Furman professors is their willingness to meet with students outside of class,” she shared.
One tradition stands out most.
“Every semester, my saxophone professor invites the entire studio over to his house for dinner,” she expressed. “We bond as a group and create lifelong memories. He genuinely cares about each of us and has been an outstanding mentor.”
Turning Research into Real Impact
One of Laken’s most meaningful projects combined research, creativity, and advocacy.
“I had the privilege of creating a zine about systemic racism in healthcare for my Anthropology of Race and Ethnicity class,” she shared. “It was incredibly impactful to interview an executive and hear her perspective, then turn that into a creative presentation.”
That experience helped solidify her passion for nonprofit and advocacy work.
Creating Her Own Internship Opportunity
Laken did not wait for an opportunity to appear. She created one.
“I successfully proposed an internship idea to the Office of Engaged Learning, and they made it happen by adding it to their database,” she explained.
With support from the Furman Fellowship, she spent her entire summer working full time with the South Carolina Nurses Association.
“That experience deepened my passion for nonprofit work in the advocacy sector,” she shared. “I even extended the internship into the school year for course credit.”
Campus Involvement That Shaped Her Experience
Laken is deeply involved across campus, wearing many hats that reflect her wide range of interests.
Her involvement includes:
- Furman Bands
- Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity
- Office of Admissions
- Furman Libraries
- Furman Fanatics Spirit Organization
- Riley Institute Lead Team
- Pathways Peer Mentor to 30 first year students
“These organizations and opportunities have allowed me to connect with incredible people and expand my skills across different disciplines and ideas,” she said.
A Furman Tradition She Will Never Forget
If you ask Laken what tradition she looks forward to most each year, her answer is immediate: “Moonlight Breakfast!”
“There is something so special about having your professors serve you dinner for breakfast the night before exams. The vibes are unbeatable.”
When asked to describe the Furman community in three words, she keeps it simple.
“Best. Place. Ever.”
Growth Through the Pathways Program
Furman challenges Laken both personally and academically.
“This school gave me space to question my previous assumptions,” she said. “It helped me grow as both a citizen and a scholar.”
She also credits the Pathways Program with preparing her for life after graduation.
“I am extremely confident in my ability to showcase my strengths in interviews and professional settings,” she said. “I owe that to the Pathways Program.”
Life in Greenville
When she is not on campus, Laken enjoys exploring Greenville and supporting local spots.
Her favorite things to do include:
- Visiting Falls Park
- Watching a show at the Peace Center
- Grabbing Stecca Bread at Swamp Rabbit Cafe
- Walking around Furman Lake
- Shopping at M Judson Bookstore
“On the weekends, I love finding a local coffee shop to do homework and meeting some of the kindest people ever,” she shared.
What Makes Furman Feel Like Home
After living on campus all four years, Laken’s answer is heartfelt and clear.
“What makes Furman feel like home is the people,” she said. “Living on campus all four years helped me make lifelong friends across all ages. Some of the best years of my life happened right here.”
She describes Furman as the perfect balance.
“It has the experience of a large state school with the support of a smaller institution,” she said. “It can be as little or as big as you need it to be.”
Advice for Future Paladins
Laken encourages new students to trust the process.
“Take your time deciding what you want to pursue,” she explained. “Embrace uncertainty because that is when you will find your true purpose.”
For high school students considering Furman, she offers this advice.
“Look at how the school markets itself and identify how you see yourself thriving,” she said. “Connect with a student or a professor. Whatever you want to do after college, Furman has the resources to get you there.”