Brigid Lawrence
Finding Her Voice: How Marywood Shaped Brigid Lawrence’s Journey from News to Bookstore Ownership
For Brigid Lawrence ’16, choosing Marywood University came down to connection and opportunity. “I really valued the small class sizes at Marywood,” she shared. “It helped me form strong relationships with my peers and professors. It also allowed me to get the absolute most out of my education. I was able to be involved in every facet of the Communications department, as well as several other organizations on campus.”
Brigid credits both her professors and her classmates as the biggest influences during her time at Marywood. “It’s definitely a tie between my professors and my friends,” she said. “I truly feel so fortunate for the education I received from Marywood—and the attention I got from my teachers while I learned about my field. But my classmates made that experience even more special—and I feel so lucky to have learned with some of the most talented people I know.”
After graduating, Brigid spent a decade in local news, working her way from a general assignment reporter and page designer at The Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre to Executive Producer at WNEP-TV in Moosic. “Marywood gave me the tools to be a successful reporter and newsroom leader,” she explained. “But, as my career goals shifted, I realize Marywood also gave me the tools and confidence to start a business in the city and become an even bigger part of the community I’ve called home my whole life.”
That confidence led to her proudest professional accomplishment yet—opening Friendly Alien Books, a vibrant independent bookstore located at 111 Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton.
Looking back, Brigid reflects on how her university experience shaped both her career and her character. “Marywood helped me grow in a lot of ways—it made me more empathetic, it helped me find some of my life-long friends, and it gave me a wonderful education that allowed me to walk into the world confident in my abilities as a journalist,” she said. “It also gave me the confidence to know it was time for a major career change—and my cohort of fellow grads were instrumental in lifting me up and helping me in the process of opening my bookstore.”
During her time on campus, Brigid was deeply involved in student life and media organizations, including The Wood Word, TV-Marywood, VMFM 91.7, the Society for Collegiate Journalists, Zeta Phi Delta, and Campus Ministry.
When asked what advice she would give to current students, Brigid encourages them to slow down and savor the journey. “Try to slow down when you can and really enjoy where you’re at,” she advised. “These four years fly by, and you will meet so many people who shape your work, your education, and you as a person. This is a time of immense growth, so make the most of it!”