"I'm all about firsthand experiences," says Ben. "You learn a lot in school, but life's really about going out and doing it."
Talented in art with a penchant for nature, Ben chose to study Landscape Architecture at North Carolina State University. To help him better understand the materials he'll use in his profession, Ben spends summers working various jobs including masonry, at a saw mill and a tool and dye shop. He's also found time to complete internships with landscape architecture firms.
"What I'm studying is my hobby, and thanks to the Elks, I'm able to focus more on school," says Ben of his dream to work for an urban design firm. "I've learned that if you do something you're good at and you love, you'll be happy."
Great Minds Think Alike Also choosing an environmentally-focused career path, Maggie graduated in May with a degree in Geography from East Carolina University. She chose the major because she likes putting the world in perspective and it inspires her to think globally and act locally. While in school, she went to Australia for four months to study Sustainable Ecology at Victoria University. With only a backpack, a tent, a change of clothes and a sleeping bag, Maggie set out to experience the Outback's striking, diverse culture and environment. She traveled throughout the country while working on organic farms and absorbed herself in the culture by making friends with locals and attending unique events such as a folk music festival.
"What you read can't compare to the actual experience," says Maggie. "I learned so much while in Australia--much more than any book could tell me. The most important thing I learned was to stay open to new ideas and jump at any adventure that comes your way."
Words of Wisdom Maggie and Ben's parents told them repeatedly that they could become anyone they wanted and that college was a great start to their future. Their father, John Lawrence of Southern Pines, N.C. Lodge, died of cancer when they were 10 years old, but his encouragement endured. When it came time for college, the twins applied for the Emergency Educational Grant, which provides educational financial assistance to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. The two oldest Lawrence siblings, Emily and Elizabeth, also received grants.
"The grants have helped us finish our undergraduate degrees in four years," says Maggie who notes the grants also helped Emily afford to study abroad in Prague and Elizabeth to complete a double major. "We will all spend our lives doing what the Elks stand for--giving to others and taking care of what we've been given."
Family Time Growing up, the Lawrences lived less than a mile from the Southern Pines Elks Lodge. Their grandfather helped build the Lodge pool, and Maggie followed in her five uncles' footsteps when she worked as a lifeguard there. She also assisted with a special education swim program, which allowed the students to experience the water like never before. Ben reminisces about playing golf at the Lodge and hanging out at the pool almost every sunny summer day.
"The Elks are about community," says Ben. "This is something we want to create as landscape architects--a sanctuary to interact with your neighbors."
Striking Resemblance For fraternal twins, Maggie and Ben are more identical than different. They're both passionate about what they're doing and strive to understand the environment. They'd rather spend spring break hiking in the woods than partying in Cancun. And, they're both grateful for what they've received and are determined to give back.
"I love being a twin," says Maggie. "We've been down similar paths in life, so we can relate to each other. And, I can go to Ben for anything and he has no choice in the matter. He has to be there. It comes with being a twin."