A Q&A with Fulbright College Alumna Lauren Headley

Lauren Headley
Public Relations Coordinator at Burrell Behavioral Health,
2021 Graduate of the Department of Communication

In this conversation, Headley talks about being a 2021 communication graduate who is passionate about breaking down the stigmas of mental health care and healing others; how she loves the indescribable feeling of a Fayetteville game day spent tailgating; recently discovering the joy of boot camp-style workouts; and how she wants current students to know that their best is yet to come!

Q: Can you tell us a little about your career, what you studied in college, and how the two relate to one another?

Hello, hello! My name is Lauren Headley, and I am a very recent graduate from the U of A. I graduated in May of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Journalism.

Cliché as it may be, I really feel like I “found myself” in college. It was a time for learning about myself, developing new skills and practicing being the woman I want to become.

I also learned that is okay to not be okay. It is okay to ask for help. These recognitions made me look beyond just learning about topics within my major. I begin to broaden my horizons and took a large variety of classes about topics from mental health and mindfulness to how we communicate and interact with one another.

All of these realizations helped guide me to where I am today. Graduating in 2021 was a very interesting time while the world was still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking for and ultimately securing a “real world” job was a challenge.

I was extremely lucky to receive an offer to work in public relations for a community mental health center, Burrell Behavioral Health.

Q: What has been one or two of the most interesting, exciting or challenging accomplishments or experiences for you in your career or life post-college?

Very recently, at the age of 22, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Though many people could see this as a step backwards, I felt like I moved forward.

I would have never discovered this if I had not been working in communications for a major mental health provider. I am constantly reminded in my day-to-day life that my best is yet to come, and I am always creating it.

I’ve learned that you can always feel better, and wellness looks different to everyone. It is necessary to have difficult conversations because they could change your life!

I now have a greater appreciation and admiration for professionals who work in schools and with youth to diagnose learning disabilities, behavioral and mental health disorders at young ages. That way, treatment can be started immediately, and a better life can be created as early as possible.

My employer, Burrell Behavioral Health, recently focused its weekly self-care segment on raising awareness about ADHD and the support mental health providers can offer to help.

Q: What was one of your favorite memories of your time at the college and why?

I loved game days. From getting ready with your friends to tailgating, the whole day was an event. Fayetteville had a game day feel that is simply indescribable – it is just that, a feeling.

Though you can still go into Donald W. Reynolds and see the Razorbacks play in your post-grad life, it is not the same as when you are a student.

From seeing the red glow of the stadium the Friday before a game, to the taste of the soft pretzels with extra salt and a side of cheese, everything feels just a little bit better when you are a Razorback.

Q: Now that you’ve graduated and are establishing your career, what advice would you give to students?

Growing up my dad always said, “I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up.” That is coming from a man who has worked 25 years at the same job. I believe what he said is true for all of us a little bit more every day. We are all just figuring life out along the way. 

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of work?

I have recently gotten hooked on boot camp-style workout classes – something that I never thought I would do (or enjoy)!

I love to cook, shop and travel. I enjoy adventures with friends and spending time with family.

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated mental health professionals every single day, all of whom are aiming to not only provide more access to behavioral healthcare, but to also reduce the stigma surrounding simply asking for help.

Burrell Behavioral Health is in the business of changing and saving lives, by starting conversations about mental health wellness and letting people know they don’t have to walk through the tough times alone. I look forward to continuing on this mission with Burrell, advocating for those living with mental health needs and breaking barriers for them to get the help they deserve.

On a personal note, as the pandemic continues to (hopefully) wind down, I really hope to travel more often, get outside of my comfort zone and experience new things. I enjoy getting to travel to new local places I have never been and places farther away.

So, if you have any recommendations or must-see spots, let me know!

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

Going through college – and any phase of life for that matter – has its challenges. Don’t forget to focus on your mental health.

For one virtual way to do this, check out Burrell’s Facebook page for the Be Well Community. Live segments are Mondays from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 12 to 12:45 p.m.