Lauren Lejeune

It has been some time since I last wrote … well, anything.

Truth be told, I didn’t see myself writing again after graduation from Powell High School, where I spent three years writing for the student newspaper, The Prowl. My senior year I was the opinion editor, and journalism was hands down my favorite class of the day. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and once I met Mr. Cappiello, former English and journalism teacher for PHS, he opened creative doors I didn’t know existed.

Now, three years later, I get a text from my mom: a screenshot of the Powell Tribune’s inquiry for opinion column contributors, followed by a: “Lauren, you NEED to do this.”

And so, here I am.

I was born and raised here in Powell, and it was only after one summer away that I knew for sure I wouldn’t be leaving again anytime soon. The close-knit community and values are not something I think you see very much nowadays, and I’ll be forever thankful Powell is where my roots are.

In the name of honesty, I am a terrible local. I have not been to many of the restaurants/coffee shops/stores around the Big Horn Basin. I’d say that’s a lot of ground to cover, but really, what else did people do in high school except drive around as far as you could get away with going? I haven’t even been to some of the major landmarks that make Wyoming, well, Wyoming. Devils Tower? No. Jackson Hole? No. I will actually be going to Cheyenne for the first time this weekend for Cheyenne Frontier Days. We hunt in Meeteetse mostly, and aside from a few trips to the Bighorns and up the North Fork, my expertise as a local ends there. My roommate from Oregon has lived here two years and has covered more bases than I have. My current hobbies (as they seem to be forever and constantly changing) include making jewelry, reading, art and now writing once again. I have also recently taken up gardening, and once the summer reaches its closing I’ll be able to give an update on that endeavor.

I also enjoy spending time with my family, which usually includes some sort of fishing trip, riding horses or something goat related (shameless plug, but we sell meat goats/4-H goats for all you kiddos out there). I come from a wild bunch, and they have been pivotal in me becoming the person I am today. 

Personally, I think I am a strong willed, say-it-with-your-whole-chest kind of gal. At least — I used to be. I’ve gotten quieter over the last few years, and sometimes I miss the version of myself that was able to express herself so openly. I was opinionated on the things that matter in life, and able to speak about them openly. Now I’m not saying that this current me, the quieter one, is bad. But I hope that in time and getting words on pen and paper (laptop actually — it just doesn’t sound as good) and living each day for the one who gives me this life, will usher in a boldness I have been missing. 

Life is so short, and I will be the first to admit that I struggle to focus on the now. I want to change that; I want to appreciate each new day I am given with renewed thankfulness and joy. To give it back to others, and to spread love that has freely been given to me. I am excited for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this platform, and to cultivate creativity into something new and near to my heart.