Alumni Spotlight: Lawrence Massey

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

My first experience with 21CL was in High School. I went to a program at Georgia Southern in 2008 in the summer before my junior year. I had the best experience while at the camp. I was able to develop relationships and learn so much during my week there. Many of the activities helped me develop my leadership skills along with learning about tools for career development such as learning how to deliver your elevator speech. I then helped run the 21CL store in 2009 where I learned business skills and how to develop a business plan and e-commerce as well. Upon graduating from Shiloh High School, I went to Morehead State University where I was a student athlete, playing college football.  I came back to 21CL in 2013 and 2014, working as an RA (Summer Leadership Team member) during the summer programs while I was in college. During those summers, I was able to develop relationships with fellow 21CL alumni and helped to shape the future of the next 21CL generation. I really learned how to network and cultivate relationships during my summers working as an RA. Since that time, I have volunteered at various 21CL events, and I have even come back and spoken to students about college and career experiences. I currently work as an Engagement Consultant for Cigna Healthcare. Relationship development is an important skill in my current role and I feel that my experiences with 21CL have really prepared me to be successful in my career. I also have a beautiful wife and a 3-year-old daughter. 21CL not only teaches you business and leadership skills but most importantly about being the best person you can be. Being a part of 21CL has really helped me to be the best version of myself in life.

What’s your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.) 

My ‘aha’ moment at 21CL would be during my time working as an RA during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Being a student athlete in college, I started to focus on sports, in turn forgetting my 21CL roots and about my career after college. I was also attending college outside of the state of Georgia and my relationships back home started to fade away. The opportunity to come back and work as an RA during those summers allowed me to revive my 21CL culture and enhance long lasting relationships with fellow 21CL alumni. Working during those summers also opened my eyes to career opportunities and experiences that helped to shape my career, sharpening my leadership skills. 

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?

I feel that 21CL has helped me become an effective leader. I have been as natural a leader for most of my life as I am the oldest of 3. (Younger brother and sister are fellow 21CL alum) I lead by example and being a part of 21CL helped me to sharpen that skill and become an effective leader in all aspects of my life. 

Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?

I believe that programs like 21CL are really important for a student’s development. Leadership skills that you develop and sharpen at 21CL programs help you get ahead in life. The relationships that you develop during the program not only help you in your career development, but also help you create friendships and great networks for life. I would advise any future student to not only attend 21CL programs but also to remain involved. Come to the program with an open mind and be ready and eager to learn and try new things. Be challenged to think outside of the box and connect with others.