Lauren Varboncoeur

Unwavering in her commitment to support students while respecting their autonomy and decision-making, Lauren Varboncoeur applies exceptional self-awareness, authenticity, and integrity as a reliable and trustworthy advisor and coworker.

Her nominator said, “Self-understanding is a critical skill for advisors, who must understand their own knowledge, biases, and limitations as they work with students. Lauren intentionally develops self-understanding through courageous personal reflection, open-minded discussion with others, and professional development. She continually pursues opportunities for self-awareness and growth to improve her ability to advise with integrity.”

Lauren also demonstrates integrity in her role as an academic advisor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment Advising Center. Like all helping professionals, advisors are faced with ethical dilemmas relating to how to interact with students.

“I have always seen Lauren approach such situations with a thoughtful reflection of self and student so that she moves forward with integrity, in a way that aligns with her values,” said her nominator. “I know Lauren values providing students with relevant information and resources so that they can make informed decisions. This balance can be challenging to maintain, but it is critical to advising with integrity. Both Lauren’s students and advising colleagues benefit from experiencing her advising approach.” 

Her nominator continued, “Early in my career, when I needed a colleague to supervise me in my graduate practicum, I turned to Lauren. She modeled critical thinking, commitment, trustworthiness, and integrity as she mentored me through my practicum. Even now, I usually turn to Lauren with my questions and challenges. Her work towards self-understanding also makes her perceptive of others and gives her a capacity to promote self-understanding in others. She understands me and helps me understand myself when I ask for her consultation.”

Lauren upholds the values of self-understanding and integrity. Through self-reflection and self-awareness, Lauren has developed articulate, affirmative values to inform her approach to serving the Virginia Tech community as an academic advisor. She understands her convictions and implements them in her advising.

Lauren said, “Self-understanding is essential in allowing me to be consistent and value-driven in my interactions with others and helps me to reflect and re-center at times when I may begin to veer away from my core values.”

“When we understand ourselves, we are better equipped to be honest and compassionate with others,” she said. “It’s not always easy to be honest or show compassion with someone when we may be tired or frustrated, but I have learned to better acknowledge my emotions so that I can be better equipped to hold space for others.”

For looking inside herself to better serve and guide students in their interests, it is my pleasure to present the faculty-staff Aspire! Award for PURSUE SELF-UNDERSTANDING and INTEGRITY to Lauren Varboncoeur.