My name is Laila Franklin, and I am currently a full-time student at the University of St. Thomas. One of the foundational aspects of the mission of UST is to advance the common good for all. This mission resonates with me and propels me to actively chase and seek this mission in my life. I serve as a Peer Minister for UST. We reside in the Freshmen dorm residence halls and help them get connected with faith opportunities. We also host programs and assist with other Campus Ministry events such as retreats to serve the greater population of our university community. Being a Peer Minister has been a the most fruitful experience of my college career. After college, my hope is to establish a Christian faith-based fitness center where wellness and faith become combined and implemented into physical action. 

I am from Brooklyn Park, MN and graduated from Park Center high school. I come from a diverse racial background with my mom being a Korean adoptee and my dad being Black. When it pertains to race and racial identity, my main goal is to make people feel loved, seen, heard and known. There have been too many instances in my life where I have felt belittled due to the color of my skin, and I am tired of seeing such evil treatment and injustices being carried out in our communities. 

I have a wide array of hobbies. I am part of the Women's Golf team for the University of St. Thomas. I began golfing at the age of three and it has allowed me to experience an abundance of peace and awestruck wonder of God and His handiwork. Another passion of mine is music! I love listening, singing and playing all sorts of cool stuff. I started playing the viola in fifth grade and currently perform in the symphony orchestra ensemble for UST. I was extremely fortunate to go on tour to Southern France with the orchestra in Spring of 2022. It was super dope!

You never know where your passions and hobbies can take you in life. Keep them. Do not give up on them. And...enjoy the journey!

I am extremely honored and grateful for the time that I get to share with MnMN! 

The future is bright my friends.