For AV student Miles McCue ’27, success isn’t about finding perfection; it’s about finding purpose. As a scholar-athlete, campus leader, and mentor, McCue embodies a mindset rooted in self-discipline and genuine connection.
“I always want to be a positive example for others,” McCue said. “At first, it is easy to get into your own head and think that everything must be perfect since you are considered a leader, but that is far from the truth. Nobody is perfect, and there is only so much you have control over. I have developed the skill of only focusing on the things I can control, for example, my attitude, work ethic, and how I treat my teammates and peers.”
As a dean’s list biochemistry major with a minor in Spanish, McCue devotes himself to his academic studies while taking on several leadership roles across campus. He’s an orientation leader, EPIC mentor, assistant captain of the men’s hockey team, co-president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and an on-campus tutor.
McCue understands the value of being organized. His success doesn’t come by chance; he’s intentional about what he focuses on each day.
“I have become a Microsoft Outlook Calendar professional, or at least I like to think so,” McCue said. “Every activity that I am planning to do goes on my calendar. That way, I can look and see what is going on during the day, so I stay focused and thinking about the right things throughout the day.”
The Monument, Colorado, native came to Lawrence because he wanted to be challenged in the classroom and as a hockey player. This pursuit of athletic and academic excellence has given him a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Finding joy in the work
“I have genuine happiness when I am on the ice, when I am an orientation leader, in the classroom, and more,” he said. “It is a blessing to be involved in things that you enjoy doing. It makes it easy to find ways to dedicate time and stay focused on them!”
As a peer mentor, McCue credits his ability to relate to others through his own humanity and experiences as the key to success. Through his openness and authenticity, he’s able to connect with others in a meaningful way.
“I think it is important to be relatable to the people around you. Sometimes when you are in the position of being a mentor, it is easy to try and portray that your life is perfect and you have all this incredible wisdom, but we all know that isn’t the case,” McCue said. “The biggest thing I try to do when working with others is relate to them. I look to share experiences and things that I have gone through to relate and show them that I am not perfect, and we are all living and working through life together.”
McCue credits the extraordinary people, resources, and campus culture at Lawrence for helping him develop into the best version of himself and preparing him for the career and life he aspires to have.
“I am hoping to get into medical school,” McCue said. “From there, I want to continue learning and growing as a student and leader on the journey to becoming a practicing physician. Lawrence has been instrumental in helping me prepare for my life ahead.”
