Writings
From poems to speeches, Laurel's writings range in form and genre. However, one thing remains consistent: hope.
Speeches
Southern Utah University Student Commencement Speaker: Class of 2022
At 10:30pm on March 7th, 2022, Laurel realized she had forgotten a deadline. Submissions for the student commencement speaker were due at midnight. She hadn't seriously considered submitting something, but sat down to write anyway. 90 minutes later, she submitted a speech. Two rounds of auditions and a few edits later, her speech was selected.
In the speech Buxton details how even the most ordinary person can live the hero's journey. She weaves together her experience of being diagnosed with cancer as a student with finding community at SUU. Ultimately, she reminds her peers that as they step into the post-grad world they are allowed to be scared, but they are always capable.
Click here to read the St. George News article covering the event.
Published Work
In & Of Light
Laurel's work can primarily be found in her newsletter, "Observations in Light" You can view her work and become a subscriber here.
Laurel's first published piece can be found in the Spring 2023 edition of the Kolob Canyon Review.
