Heather Lannon '22

“Even in elementary school, I was the mother hen. I think I got that from my mom and my grandmother, who would do anything for anybody. My grandmother had 11 brothers and sisters and was the third oldest. She didn’t finish high school. She dropped everything to take care of her siblings, and she’s still taking care of them and their children today. I tell her she’s the light in our family’s life. I even have a tattoo that says “be the light” written in her handwriting.

That’s what I want to be for others. I’m still figuring out my ‘dream title,’ but I’d love to work in a nonprofit. I want to be sure people have access to basic human rights. Food. Healthcare. Shelter. I just want that sense of ‘I did something’ or ‘I made something happen today.’ So, the nonprofit management major really drew me to Bay Path.

At first, I didn’t know if I would go to college. I eased into it by taking dual enrollment classes in high school. I graduated with all these credits and used them to get my associate’s degree. I’m the first person in my family to graduate from college. It was very emotional, it was a lot of hard work, and I missed out on some summers. But even though I had the option to stop there, I decided to transfer here instead.

The biggest thing I’ve realized since then is how much I’m able to handle. I’m working. I’m volunteering. I’m in school full-time. I’m doing an internship. I started the Nonprofit Fundraising Club. I think I used to sell myself short because I didn’t have enough confidence. I’ve found that now. I feel happier about who I am as a person and believe I’ll be able to do whatever I put my mind to.

There are so many things people go through, and I’d love to hear their stories. I think that’s what I like about nonprofits. You get that sense of connection. You get to really interact with people and help them with what they need. There’s no shame in needing or getting help. Because that’s why we’re all here. To help each other.” -Heather Lannon ’22