Caregiver by day and stock car racer on weekends
Lauren Swift successfully juggles her two passions in life.. caregiving and stock car racing.
The 18 year old became a caregiver at Bupa Gladys Mary Care Home in Napier just five months ago, after completing the Health and Wellbeing course at Eastern Institute of Technology.
“I just enjoy looking after and talking to older people. It’s a wonderful feeling to give back to those who have led amazing lives.”
The Hawke’s Bay born Swift began racing just two years ago after becoming interested in the sport when her older brother purchased a stock car himself.
“It’s a real thrill going super fast and I also like the track atmosphere on race night, nothing beats it. You also make a lot of awesome friends in the sport too.”
With the support of her family, Lauren has chalked up two wins in a stock car and five wins in the mini stock category. She’s also only ever had one major crash in a stock car back when she was starting out. Now with her own pink stock car, Lauren’s racing most weekends and says the sport and caregiving demand different skills from her.
“With caregiving I need to be really caring, understanding and patient. When I’m racing I’m aiming for consistency, fearlessness and to be my absolute best at all times.”
With her future career plans of nursing on the horizon and the determination to keep racing as her fast paced hobby, Lauren has a busy few years ahead of her in caring and racing.
