Lauren Calabrese & Her Recent Engagement

*Petals News: Lauren Calabrese & Her Recent Engagement*

Lauren revealed a spectacular engagement ring, this week at Petals class. "I want a Fall wedding, in between the holidays, so we ended up picking November 7, 2015 as our date," Lauren said after being asked when the wedding would be. "It will be somewhere in NC, but we're really not sure at this point." "Will you want Petals flowers at your wedding?" I laughed. "Ha - I'm not sure, yet; it depends on where the wedding takes place. Probably, but I'm not sure at this point."

"You two are high school sweethearts, you mentioned?" "Yeah, we've known each other since we were 17." "And will you keep working with Petals, and The Arc, after you get married? What are your plans?" She responded that she will discontinue employment with The Arc of Orange, but will continue volunteering and subbing on an indefinite basis; "my fiance has offered to support me while I'm getting my Masters degree."

Lauren is pursuing a Masters degree in English and Creative Writing. She hopes to be an author. When asked what she likes to write about, she retorted, "short stories; anything with a cliff-hanger. Some non-fiction, and writing from my own personal experiences."

Originally from Watertown, New York, Lauren received her Bachelors degree in Albany, and then worked in the mental health field in New York before moving down to North Carolina. After working for RSI for a while, she began working for The Arc on a part-time basis, which eventually evolved into a full-time position. 

When asked why she has continued working for The Arc (for years), Lauren said, "because I enjoy the participants. I learn from them, and they make me laugh. I learn something new from them every day." Lauren began working for The Arc in January, 2010. 

"I've only been coming to the Petals class for the past year, but I've noticed that it has expanded; each week, participants progress and evolve in learning to communicate with each other and as a team."

Congratulations on your recent engagement, Lauren - and thank you for all of your hard work!