Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren (Hopkins) Ficklin
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, of course! Thank you for the opportunity. I’m excited to share a bit of my journey with you.
I grew up in Hawthorne, CA, as the oldest of three children. My formative years were spent at Frederick K. C. Price III Christian Schools, a private Christian school where I thrived academically and personally. After all of my hard work, I graduated as valedictorian, earning a full scholarship to Stanford University. At Stanford, I majored in political science and studied abroad at Oxford University. I believe these experiences laid a strong foundation for my current analytical skills and big-picture perspective.
After Stanford, I returned home to SoCal and embarked on a new chapter as a special education TA at a newly established charter school. It was also during this time that I married for the first time. Thinking that I didn’t like working in education, I pursued law school, focusing on children’s and women’s rights. But then, I didn’t like law school! Although I found it challenging and not entirely aligned with my passions, it honed my ability to read and write critically. My time in law school was also marked by the birth of my daughter, which brought both joy and new responsibilities.
After my divorce, I took a job at my high school alma mater to support myself and my daughter. This role sparked my passion for effectively communicating an organization’s mission and connecting with its community. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked in admissions at two other high schools, honing my skills in branding and communication. At my second school, I met my husband, Eddie Ficklin Jr., who is a Head Football Coach and teacher. While at my third school, we got married! Now, I’m back at my first school, eager to contribute my expertise as they enter their next phase of excellence. Although I’m not practicing law, the strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and storytelling skills I developed continue to be central to my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has certainly not been a smooth road! My journey has been filled with challenges and growth. I grew up with limited financial resources, attending private school thanks to the generosity of others. I often wore hand-me-downs and missed out on many of life’s luxuries. In college, I worked every summer and Christmas break to afford the small pleasures and faced my first experience with academic failure—failing two classes and being placed on academic probation. It was also when I first encountered romantic heartbreak.
Graduating into a recession, I struggled to find a job and came to terms with the reality that life after Stanford wouldn’t be as immediately promising as I had hoped. Law school brought its own set of difficulties, with intense coursework and the challenge of balancing my new roles as a wife and mother. I faced another round of academic probation but turned things around by switching to part-time enrollment and excelling in my final year and a half.
Going through a divorce was a major upheaval—financially, professionally, and emotionally. I had to learn to co-parent, become self-sufficient, and build the life I wanted and deserved. This period taught me the importance of understanding my needs, setting boundaries, and letting go of what no longer served me (and I turned that into a book called, “Shine Through”). Most recently, losing my father, who was my guiding light, shook my world once again. I took time to rest and recharge, and now, as I return to work, I’m motivated to make him proud every day.
While I recognize that many people face far more traumatic events, these challenges were significant for me and have played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an admissions professional, I specialize in admissions operations with a focus on creating easy, warm and genuine interactions with families. I’m known for my ability to improve operations, streamline communications, and enhance the overall experience for prospective families.
I take pride in several accomplishments throughout my career. At Price Schools, I’m particularly proud of the growth in enrollment and brand awareness I achieved. At my second school, I successfully increased diversity, which was a meaningful and impactful change. At my third school, I developed effective communication channels that greatly improved engagement and information flow.
In addition to my work in admissions, I dabble in creative pursuits. I write a blog, have published a book, and handle brand strategy for my husband and his football team. What I believe sets me apart is my ability to blend strategic thinking with creative problem-solving, and my dedication to making a positive impact in every role I take on.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
To stay organized and inspired, I rely on several apps and resources. For task management, I use Trello, and Skylight helps keep our family calendar in sync. Timefinder is my go-to for daily scheduling and timed to-do lists, which keeps me on track.
In terms of books, I find great inspiration from the Bible and empowerment from Eve Rodsky’s books, “Fair Play” and “The Unicorn Space”. They offer invaluable insights into creating balance and managing life’s demands. I also love fiction novels as a creative escape from reality.
Podcasts are another favorite resource. I listen to “How to Money” for practical financial tips, “The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema” for motivational content, and “Unf*ck Your Relationships” for entertaining relationship advice.
I also subscribe to AMA’s weekly newsletter and the NY Times daily briefing for their insightful updates. For creative inspiration, I frequently browse Instagram and Pinterest. Now that I think about it, I consume a lot of content! But it all helps me stay motivated and effective in both my personal and professional life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.itslaurenmarie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imlaurenmarie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/imlaurenmarie_
Image Credits
Kelly Parkinson (KeepShootn)
