Featured Member Interview – Catherine Lawrence

Catherine Lawrence has spent the majority of her career as an Administrator in the field of Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). In this capacity, Catherine has helped students navigate University programs at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels. While working full time Catherine completed her Undergraduate and Graduate degrees (in the evening) receiving a B.S. in Communication, Political Science and History; as well as a M.S.Ed in Education (Reading, Writing and Literacy/Adult, Family and Community) with a certification as a Reading Specialist.

What led you to becoming a writer?

(CL): I have always been a writer in the academic setting while earning my graduate and undergraduate degrees; as well as writing as a requirement of my position as an administrator in the work place. The writing continued once I retired and became a Peace Corps Volunteer. I wrote and published weekly blogs of my experiences both as a Volunteer and as an Ex patriot; and continued to publish articles during this period with an on-line publication OpEdNews.com. 

However, the true writing fire came as a result of COVID. I know I am not alone as I have heard this story from so many people. As a result of being sequestered during the pandemic I was able to take classes to expand my knowledge of the craft as well as becoming aware of resources to publish.  COVID and all that came with it gave me the confidence to think that I could be a published author. 

Do you have a favorite work that you’ve written?

(CL): Yes, actually I have 2 articles that I am very proud of:

WINGS – Published in the November 2023 Issue of Airways Magazine. This piece chronicled my experience as a first time pilot of a single-engine Cessna.

Living “Out of the Box” – Published in 2016 in Peace Corps Passports Publication. This piece spoke to my feelings of living in the Peace Corps.

What inspires you as a reader and writer?

(CL): I am in awe of authors who can articulate their thoughts with words. Curiosity and a desire to understand not only how we live; but, why we live drives me at times to reading multiple books simultaneously on different topics. I often seek answers in books; but, I realize there really are no answers in books. However, reading does give me the tools to formulate my own answers giving me ideas and new perspectives.  As an aspiring writer it is my goal to emulate all that I derive from reading.

What topics do you usually delve into when writing?

(CL): My main source of material is myself and my experiences on topics such as travel, food, art, relationships, education, family, trauma, emotions, survival and teaching to name a few. I draw inspiration not only from my internal reflections; but, from everything around me. The world as my palette for writing. Also, I love being a member, for the past four years, of the WNBA Great Group Reads; and, have recently expanded my book reviewer skills to include NLAPW – National League of the American Pen Women by being given my first assignment as a book reviewer. 

You’ve held a lot of different job titles in your life. Does any of your past experiences influence your work? 

(CL): My Motto has always been “Buy experiences, not things”.  I am always seeking out new experiences as a means of entertainment and growth. So often I am asked: “How do you find time to do all the things you do?” and my response is that “I don’t have television”. Twenty plus years ago I gave away my televisions as an experiment moving into a studio apartment. This allowed me time to spent my time seeking out new adventures and writing about them. 

What is your favorite genre(s) to write and read?

(CL): I so enjoy reading historical fiction as well as (my guilty pleasure) murder. Books that deal with the human condition; how behavior is a predictor of events that drives me to see behind the facade of why we do what we do. Honestly, I would read any genre. As I said I write about myself and my experiences (as outlined in a previous response).

Once retired from her position at the UPenn in 2014, Catherine served in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Georgia. This 27 month program used her skills as an Educator in primary, secondary and University settings. Upon completion of the Peace Corps Catherine remained in the Republic of Georgia as an ex-patriot continuing teaching English and Reading. Catherine is also involved with the OSCE/ODHIR which observers elections in 57 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America. Its mandate includes many issues and Catherine is involved as an observer in one of their mandates which is to ensure free and fair election.

Catherine loves to travel and to-date has visited 55 countries. Her love of books and libraries have involved her in the WNBA where she was a facilitator of the monthly book group within WNBA; as well as a member of the Great Group Reads for the past four years. For the past year, Catherine has been working as a SP (Specialized Patient) at hospitals in the Philadelphia area. This role allows her to work with medical students, doctors, nurses and other members of the medical community to enhance their continuing education and medical school curriculum. Presently she is taking writing classes with the goal of publishing in the genre of Flash Fiction as well as honing her skills in journalism and interviewing.