Lauren Marks ‘98, who lost her language skills and wrote about her recovery, named 2018 Commencement Speaker
When Lauren Marks ’98 stands at the podium on graduation day, her ability to speak, write and read will represent a remarkable testament to her resilience and strength.
An alumna with enduring ties to her alma mater, Lauren is an accomplished author, speaker and award winning creative artist, whose popular book A Stitch of Time chronicles her courageous journey of recovery after a brain aneurysm largely robbed her of language skills.
Lauren was 27, an actor, director and Ph.D. student in New York City when an aneurysm ruptured in her brain while performing in a show in Scotland with friends. When she awoke after emergency brain surgery she was diagnosed with aphasia, the loss or impairment of language skills.
This young woman whose life was enriched and dependent on words, speech and writing had largely lost the ability to do all three.
“My world was Quiet,” she wrote.
“Lauren’s resilience and determination to heal herself—and the way she brought her intellect to that process in a very powerful way—stands as an in incredible story of hope for us all,” said Head of School Kate Morin. “She is a wonderful role model for our seniors, she’s a cherished alum and will be such an inspiration to our seniors on this important day.”
Our Mayfield seniors said they have some important questions for her as their June 3 ceremony approaches.
How do we “live like a Mayfield girl in a non-Mayfield world?” one asked.
How do we deal with adversity, both personally and as global citizen?
What advice do you have for us when it comes to success in college and our careers?
These are questions that Lauren will certainly be able to tackle with her remarkable insight and her trademark grace and humor.
She said it is a “high honor” to address Mayfield graduates and hopes to send a message to our seniors about the value in being unafraid of failure, pursuing their goals with curiosity and embracing the quality of resilience.
“The fact that my biggest frailty and how I worked through it is the reason I’m being celebrated is so meaningful to me,” said Lauren, who is a New York University Tisch School of the Arts graduate.
After her injury in 2007, Lauren returned home to Altadena with her parents. She began speech and language therapy three times a week while keeping a fascinating, handwritten journal that became the basis of her memoir, A Stitch in Time, published by Simon and Schuster in Spring 2016.Her book has earned impressive reviews and her graceful, intelligent and witty approach in explaining her recovery has made her a popular speaker and guest on national television news shows, including The Today Show show and ABC News, as well as well-known podcasts, including The Allusionist and the Weekly Infusion, co-hosted by Dr. Drew. She has been featured in the The Washington Post and The New York Post, among other publications.
Lauren volunteers her time working with others recovering from aphasia and is a frequent speaker before doctors, language therapists and neurologists.
Upon returning to her hometown after an independent life in New York, Lauren said the Mayfield community quickly embraced her and supported her and her parents.
Without giving the story away, she will explain to graduates how the word Betsy—the name of her Mayfield classmate and good friend—was a key that led to a better understanding of her condition and was among only 40 to 50 words she could utter after the aneurysm.
“My connection to Mayfield really engaged in a powerful way during my healing,” she said. “Suddenly friends who I had not spoken to in 10 years were reaching out to me. It became clear that Mayfield has a different kind of connection with students. This is a community that is energized in support for one another.”
In the early stage of her memoir writing, Lauren said notes and words of encouragement from Sr. Barbara, former teachers and Mayfield friends were a source of encouragement.
“When the book was published everyone rallied around me,” she said.
The seniors said they are eager to hear Lauren’s Mayfield anecdotes and are eager to relate her high school experience to their own.
What Lauren is sure to explain is how her unique and moving life experience moved her to rely on what she came realize were the essential “tools” of her Mayfield education:
“The tools of resilience, grit and the value of being supported by a network of people who are truly invested in your well-being are more important than just about anything,” she said.
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Our entire Mayfield community also has the chance to meet and speak with Lauren at a special on-campus discussion about her memoir on April 20. This free event is presented by the Bellefontaine Society.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Upon returning to her hometown after an independent life in New York, Lauren said the Mayfield community quickly embraced her and supported her and her parents.
Without giving the story away, she will explain to graduates how the word Betsy—the name of her Mayfield classmate and good friend—was a key that led to a better understanding of her condition and was among only 40 to 50 words she could utter after the aneurysm.
“My connection to Mayfield really engaged in a powerful way during my healing,” she said. “Suddenly friends who I had not spoken to in 10 years were reaching out to me. It became clear that Mayfield has a different kind of connection with students. This is a community that is energized in support for one another.”
In the early stage of her memoir writing, Lauren said notes and words of encouragement from Sr. Barbara, former teachers and Mayfield friends were a source of encouragement.
“When the book was published everyone rallied around me,” she said.
The seniors said they are eager to hear Lauren’s Mayfield anecdotes and are eager to relate her high school experience to their own.
What Lauren is sure to explain is how her unique and moving life experience moved her to rely on what she came realize were the essential “tools” of her Mayfield education:
“The tools of resilience, grit and the value of being supported by a network of people who are truly invested in your well-being are more important than just about anything,” she said.
........................................................
Our entire Mayfield community also has the chance to meet and speak with Lauren at a special on-campus discussion about her memoir on April 20. This free event is presented by the Bellefontaine Society.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Sussex Room, Strub Hall
6:00 p.m.
Reception & Book Signing
7:00 p.m.
Presentation & Conversation
Reception & Book Signing
7:00 p.m.
Presentation & Conversation
All are welcome—RSVP online now!
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
