Lauren's HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Excellence)

My name is Lauren Ashley Thomson. I was born in Mission Viejo, California. I attended Dana Hills High School in Dana Point, California. I am currently a Senior at Point Loma Nazarene University where I am majoring in Managerial and Organizational Communications.

My platform has been a wonderful journey that I began in the year 2000. I formed an organization called Lauren’s H.O.P.E. Hope is an acrostic for Helping Others Pursue Excellence. Through my previous work in my organization I have seen first hand how mentoring and encouragement, especially in the area of higher education can make an immeasurable positive impact. I originally selected this issue because I am the product of having positive role models and mentors. Many of my peers have not had the benefit of having someone who is dedicated to their success. My hope is to generate and implement a plan of action to change this. Contrary to popular belief Miss San Diego and the Miss California Organization are not just “Beauty Pageants.” It has been viewed as “a title with a crown.” That crown is not just a pretty headpiece. It is a megaphone for my platform, Lauren’s H.O.P.E., to be heard.

My talent is singing. I have been singing and performing on stages for 13 years. Entertaining others has always been a passion of mine. Just seeing a smile on someone’s face who has enjoyed my performance makes all the practicing worth while. Whenever I get the chance I enjoy singing at convalescent homes as well as children’s hospitals. I am also the Special Events Activities Coordinator for Ocean Hills Youth Group.

I am currently a member of the Mexico Outreach program at my university. With this program I have traveled to Mexican orphanages twice a month to build relations and become a positive mentor to the young children. I have come to realize that I can learn just as much from them as they do from me. Due to these relationships I have been even more motivated to make Lauren’s H.O.P.E. not only a success in the San Diego area but statewide as well.

Miss San Diego 2008, Lauren Thomson