FSU Trailblazer: Lauren Corey

While some students are fortunate enough to like what they study, others are lucky to be studying what they love. This is the case for FSU student Lauren Corey.

Lauren, a young environmentalist, is majoring in political science and environmental studies. Lauren is a true Trailblazer because of her dedication to not only her education but also to her community at large. She has already made waves in the Tallahassee community when it comes to advocating for the environment and political change.

Lauren is a driven individual who is determined to make a difference now and after her time as an FSU student. Meet this week’s Trailblazer, Lauren.

Lauren Corey

What is your hometown?

LC: Tallahassee! I’ve lived here since I was two years old, so for 17 years.

What’s your major?

LC: I’m double majoring in political science and environmental studies.

What year of school are you in?

LC: Sophomore

Why did you pick your major?

LC: I’ve been passionate about the environment for as long as I can remember. When I started at FSU, my major was environmental studies. Later I realized that I wanted to be politically involved and changed my major to political science. Now I want to major in both so I can be well educated in the policy-making system and the environmental processes behind the policies.

What is your favorite thing about FSU?

LC: My favorite thing about FSU is the diversity. I wasn’t sure I would be able to find like-minded people here but I’ve met amazing environmental advocates and others that are just as passionate in other fields.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

LC: RELAX. I typically binge watch Netflix with my kitten.

How would you describe yourself?

LC: When I set my mind on something, I do it the right way. I have some weird need to prove myself, so when I became the Political Chair of the Environmental Service Program (ESP), I decided I would be the best Political Chair I could be. That’s why I organize as many protests as I do. I hate the feeling of doing a job half way.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

LC: I’ll have freshly graduated from law school and probably be starving as I search for employment.

What are the organizations you’re involved with and what do you do for them?

LC: I’m the Political Chair of FSU’s Environmental Service Program and I’m an intern at Citizens Climate Lobby.

What made you want to get involved with these activities?

LC: I joined the Environmental Service Program last semester looking for people I could bond with over shared interests. I loved it so much I decided to get more involved and become an officer. I found Citizens Climate Lobby at an Environmental Forum over the summer, was intrigued by their cause, and became an intern.

You have an interesting internship. Can you explain a little bit about it?

LC: My internship at Citizens Climate Lobby has been a great experience so far. I assist citizen lobbyists in trying to gain political will to get a carbon-fee-and-dividend policy approved by congress.

What can FSU students do to help out or get involved with these causes?

LC: Join the Environmental Service Program! We do political work like rallying and petitioning as well as volunteering through local facilities like St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Florida Wild Mammal Association.

Another huge thing you can do is get out and VOTE. A big environmental controversy on the ballot this November is Amendment One. This amendment is backed by big utility companies and is designed to trick constituents into thinking it will give them more access to solar power if passed. In reality, it will create regulations and fines that will make it hard for most people to own solar power. VOTE NO ON ONE!

Lauren Corey

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment during your time at FSU?

LC: My greatest accomplishment at FSU thus far has been the Sabal Trail Pipeline Protest I organized a couple weeks ago. It turned out to be a big hit with at least 30 people in attendance. We were chanting, doing the wave, and pretty much having a big environmental party in front of the capitol building.

If you could go back and change something in your time at FSU, would you? If so, what would you change?

LC: I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done during my time at FSU. Everything I’ve done has gotten me to where I am today, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Find more information regarding the FSU Environmental Service Program here.